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WAE → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Wadi Al Dawasir Airport (Wadi-al-dawasir) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the dramatic Tuwaiq Escarpment and the most iconic views of the Riyadh city skyline during the descent into King Khaled International Airport.
Wadi Irrigation Circles
Witness the vibrant green geometric circles of center-pivot irrigation systems that contrast sharply with the surrounding arid desert near the departure point.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
Marvel at the majestic limestone cliffs that form a natural backbone across the Najd region, featuring dramatic drops and winding desert valleys.
Riyadh CBD Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Center as the aircraft banks for its final approach towards the north of the city.
At-Turaif District
Look for the mud-brick architecture of the historic Diriyah region, the birthplace of the Saudi state, located on the western outskirts of the capital.
For the best experience, book a window seat away from the wing to have an unobstructed view of the Tuwaiq cliffs. Afternoon flights (2 PM - 5 PM) are ideal as the sun is in the west, beautifully illuminating the escarpment and the Riyadh skyline without causing excessive glare for your photos.
Ad-Dahna Red Sands
Observe the sweeping orange-red dunes of the Ad-Dahna desert, a narrow corridor of sand that connects the northern and southern desert systems.
Trans-Arabian Highways
See the impressive engineering of the desert highways that cut straight through the vast wilderness, connecting the remote south to the capital.
Nomadic Outposts
Spot small clusters of tents and camel herds in the more remote stretches of the plateau where traditional grazing still occurs.
RUH Terminal Design
As the plane lands, enjoy the architectural perspective of the four triangular passenger terminals designed by HOK, which look like desert tents.
The right side is perfect for early morning flights, as you can watch the sunrise over the vast desert plains. It provides a better sense of the sheer scale of the Arabian interior. Keep an eye out for the contrast between the dry wadi beds and the modern industrial projects on the southern outskirts of Riyadh.
Distance: 518 km (322 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: WAE (20.504299163800003, 45.1996002197)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: Domestic
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