Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar. While takeoff offers desert and mountain views, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive scenery with the Zanzibar Channel, coral reefs, and tropical island vegetation. The contrast between water and land is sharper and more photogenic than the desert departure.

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 to the southeast as the aircraft climbs out. The contrast between Abu Dhabi's coastal development and the desert interior is striking during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (northwest), Hajar Mountains (southeast), Abu Dhabi city grid (directly below during climb), Jebel Hafeet plateau (distant southeast).

When landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the East African coast, the Zanzibar Channel, and Unguja Island as the aircraft descends toward Zanzibar. The turquoise shallow waters and the island's vegetation create excellent visual contrast during final approach. Notable sights include: Zanzibar Channel (deep blue water separating Unguja from mainland Tanzania), Unguja Island (densely vegetated, appearing dark green), Indian Ocean (eastern horizon), Tanzanian mainland coast (western side, lower elevation).

The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Notable features include the Oman coast (visible briefly after departure if flying southeast), the open Arabian Sea with occasional shipping lanes, and the East African coast approaching Tanzania. The Pemba Channel and northern Zanzibar approaches become visible roughly 30 minutes before landing. No major mountain ranges or significant landmarks exist over the open ocean portion of this route.