Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Colombo. The left side delivers the dramatic Dubai departure views over the city and Creek, and during the cruise over the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean both sides are largely featureless open water. At landing the right side edges ahead for Colombo, but the Dubai departure spectacle on the left is the highlight of the flight and tips the balance.

During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south over the Gulf. The left side gives you a clear view back over central Dubai — the Creek, Deira, and the downtown skyline including Burj Khalifa — as the aircraft banks south toward the Arabian Sea. The right side faces inland toward the desert hinterland. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline, Dubai Creek and Deira district, Palm Jumeirah (visible to the southwest as you climb), Dubai Marina towers.

When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bandaranaike International primarily uses runway 04/22. Arrivals from the northeast on runway 22 approach from over the ocean, and the right side gives a view of the Sri Lankan coastline, Colombo's harbor and city waterfront, and the lagoons south of the airport. The left side faces inland toward low scrub and paddy fields with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Colombo city waterfront and harbor, Negombo Lagoon to the north, Sri Lankan coastline and Indian Ocean, Colombo Port and breakwater.

The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours.

After departing Dubai the route crosses the southern Arabian Peninsula coast near Oman, then tracks southeast over the open Arabian Sea. The Lakshadweep Islands (Indian union territory) may be visible as tiny low coral atolls far below roughly midway across the Arabian Sea. The Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, may be briefly visible on the left side as the aircraft approaches Sri Lanka from the northwest, before crossing the Palk Strait and the northern tip of Sri Lanka.