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SFO destination photo
DXB destination photo

SFODXB

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to the Greenland ice cap and the most consistent views of the Dubai skyline during the standard arrival sequence into DXB.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Canadian Rockies

Snow-capped peaks and vast glacial valleys of British Columbia and Alberta visible in the first few hours.

🧊

Greenland Icecap

A breathtaking expanse of the massive ice sheet and coastal fjords during the trans-polar crossing.

🌊

Caspian Sea

The eastern coastline of the world's largest inland body of water as the flight enters Central Asia.

⛰️

Zagros Mountains

Dramatic, folded mountain ridges across Iran that lead directly toward the Persian Gulf.

🏙️

Dubai Skyline

A stunning view of the Burj Khalifa and the dense skyscraper corridor of Sheikh Zayed Road during the descent.

This route typically departs SFO in the morning, meaning you will have full daylight over the North American continent. Choose the left side for the best lighting over Greenland. As the flight arrives in Dubai in the evening, the left side is usually favored for views of the illuminated city skyline if the aircraft approaches from the northwest.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌌

Northern Lights

High probability of spotting the Aurora Borealis while traversing the high Arctic latitudes during winter.

❄️

Arctic Archipelago

Remote, ice-covered islands of Northern Canada and frozen sea patterns visible during the polar leg.

🌍

Eastern Europe

Nighttime lights of major urban centers across Russia and the fringes of Eastern Europe.

🏝️

The World Islands

The man-made archipelago off the coast of Dubai, often visible just before touchdown.

🏜️

Arabian Desert

The vast, golden dunes of the Arabian peninsula as the flight nears its final destination.

The right side is ideal for passengers hoping to see the Aurora Borealis; keep your window shade open during the middle portion of the flight. For the arrival into Dubai, the right side often catches a glimpse of the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands depending on the specific air traffic control pattern for runway 30L.

Top Activities in Dubai
Route Information

Distance: 13,020 km (8,090 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 15 hrs 19 min

Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)

Route Type: International

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