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SAW → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is generally superior for this route as it offers the iconic views of the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, during the standard approach into DXB, as well as views of the historic Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
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Taurus Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of southern Turkey provide a rugged and beautiful landscape in the first hour of flight.
The Fertile Crescent
View the historic Tigris and Euphrates rivers as they snake through the plains of Iraq toward the Gulf.
Kuwait City
The dense urban sprawl and coastline of Kuwait are often visible mid-flight.
Palm Jumeirah
The iconic man-made palm-shaped island is often visible during the final descent into Dubai International.
Downtown Dubai
A breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa and the dense cluster of skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road.
For the best experience, choose a window seat on the right for evening arrivals; the sunset over the Persian Gulf is spectacular. Most DXB arrivals use Runways 12L or 12R, meaning the right side gets the best view of the World Islands and the city skyline. Ensure your window is clean for high-altitude photography of the Mesopotamian rivers.
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Central Anatolian Plateau
The high altitude steppe and unique geological formations of inner Turkey shortly after departure from SAW.
Zagros Mountains
Dramatic, folded mountain ridges of western Iran visible across the Persian Gulf during the cruise phase.
Kish and Qeshm Islands
Sprawling Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf known for their unique coral reefs and coastal shapes.
Strait of Hormuz
One of the world's most important shipping lanes, visible as the flight prepares for its descent into the UAE.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the soft lighting on the Zagros Mountains. This side is also better for spotting the northern emirates like Sharjah and Ajman if the flight takes a northern path for landing. Avoid the wing area to ensure a clear view of the Iranian coastline.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for United Arab EmiratesDistance: 2,967 km (1,844 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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