Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Dubai. While the right side wins at takeoff for Colombo's coastline, the left side captures the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman coastlines during the cruise, and delivers the superior Dubai arrival view over the Creek and city. Across the full flight, left side provides more sustained geographic interest.

During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bandaranaike typically departs on runway 04 (northeast) or 22 (southwest). On the dominant runway 04 departure heading northeast, the right side faces east toward Colombo city and the coastline. You get a clear view of the urban sprawl of Colombo along the Indian Ocean coast as the aircraft climbs out over the coastal plain. Notable sights include: Colombo city waterfront and port, Beira Lake in central Colombo, Sri Lanka's western coastline stretching south, Kelani River delta near the airport.

When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runway is 30L/30R, meaning aircraft approach from the southeast heading northwest. On this approach, the left side faces south and southwest toward the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city core. The right side faces toward the desert interior, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira waterfront, Dubai city center skyline including Downtown Dubai visible in the distance, Palm Jumeirah visible further southwest on the horizon, Persian Gulf coastline.

The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight tracks northwest over the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, crossing the Laccadive Sea and passing west of the Maldives atolls (visible as tiny white reef rings in clear conditions). The route then crosses the Indian subcontinent's southwestern tip or passes over open ocean before reaching the Arabian Sea. The coastline of Oman's Dhofar region and the Gulf of Oman may be visible on the left side during descent. The Hajar Mountains of Oman can appear as a brown ridgeline on the left horizon as the aircraft enters UAE airspace.