Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Islamabad. While takeoff offers good Persian Gulf views on the right, the landing approach into Islamabad provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The Margalla Hills and Indus River valley are far more visually striking than Abu Dhabi's flat coastal departure, making left-side seats the better choice for the overall flight experience.

During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Persian Gulf coastline and the Hajar Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see Abu Dhabi's coastal development fade into the gulf waters, with the mountain range becoming increasingly prominent on the horizon. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (immediate right), Hajar Mountains (northeast horizon), Abu Dhabi city grid (below, receding), Jebel Hafeet (distant southeast).

When landing at Chaklala (ISB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Islamabad. You'll see the Margalla Hills rising dramatically as you approach from the south, and the Indus River valley becomes visible. The city's layout nestled against the foothills is striking from this angle. Notable sights include: Margalla Hills (left, dominant), Indus River valley (center-left), Islamabad city grid (below), Rawalpindi (right, lower).

The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Chaklala (ISB) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Oman Sea and enters Pakistani airspace over Balochistan. Notable features include the Makran Coastal Range (visible as low mountains along the southern approach), the transition from desert to the Indus River valley, and the Hindu Kush foothills becoming visible as you approach the northern portion of the route. The Indus River itself becomes a prominent landmark in the final 45 minutes of flight, running north-south through the Punjab plain.