Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Dubai. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Auckland's harbours and volcanic islands on departure, and Dubai's creek, skyline, and coastline on arrival. Over the Indian Ocean the views are similar on both sides, so the departure and arrival scenery is the deciding factor.

During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Auckland International typically departs northward on runway 23L/05R or uses runway 23 heading southwest. For the northbound departure toward Asia, the left side gives you the Manukau Harbour, the Waitakere Ranges, and the city of Auckland with its isthmus and harbours. The right side faces inland toward flat farmland of South Auckland. Notable sights include: Manukau Harbour (large tidal harbour directly below), Auckland CBD and Sky Tower on the narrow isthmus, Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island volcanic cone.

When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runways 12L/12R bring aircraft in from the northwest over the desert, then over the city. The left side on approach gives you the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city core, while the right side faces the open desert and industrial port areas. On runway 30L/30R departures reversed, left still captures the urban waterfront. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Downtown Dubai with Burj Khalifa visible, Palm Jumeirah artificial island, Dubai Marina towers.

The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 17 to 18 hours nonstop.

The flight tracks northwest from Auckland across the Coral Sea, overflies northern Australia including the Gulf of Carpentaria and Arnhem Land, crosses the Timor Sea, then passes over the Indonesian archipelago or tracks north of it depending on routing, crosses the Bay of Bengal, overflies southern India or Sri Lanka, then tracks northwest across the Arabian Sea before descending into Dubai. The Australian coastline and the scattered islands of eastern Indonesia are the most visually interesting midpoint features on a clear day.