The left side wins overall. The takeoff views over the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. During the cruise, the left side also tracks better over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Zagros Mountains of Iran, and the approach into the Gulf. The landing view trade-off is real, but the departure experience tips the balance.
Flown EDI to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Dubai is 3,590 miles (5,778 km), a flight of about 7 hours.
The route tracks southeast over the North Sea, then across the Netherlands and Germany, over the Alps or northern Italy depending on routing, across the Adriatic, over Greece and the Aegean Sea, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, then southeast over the Zagros Mountains of Iran, across the Persian Gulf coast, and into Dubai. The Zagros range and the Anatolian highlands are the most visually dramatic overland features at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTEdinburgh typically departs on runway 06/24 or 12/30. On an eastbound departure toward the continent, the left side gives you Edinburgh city centre, the Firth of Forth with its three iconic bridges, and Arthur's Seat. The right side faces south toward the Pentland Hills but misses the dramatic coastal and urban geography.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTDubai International's primary arrival runway is 12L/12R, meaning aircraft approach from the northwest over the desert and touch down heading southeast. The right side on approach gives views over Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts, while the left side faces the open desert. On the reciprocal runway 30, the right side captures the downtown skyline including the Burj Khalifa.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Dubai. The left side wins overall. The takeoff views over the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. During the cruise, the left side also tracks better over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Zagros Mountains of Iran, and the approach into the Gulf. The landing view trade-off is real, but the departure experience tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh typically departs on runway 06/24 or 12/30. On an eastbound departure toward the continent, the left side gives you Edinburgh city centre, the Firth of Forth with its three iconic bridges, and Arthur's Seat. The right side faces south toward the Pentland Hills but misses the dramatic coastal and urban geography. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth with Forth Rail, Road, and Queensferry Crossing bridges; Arthur's Seat volcanic plug; Edinburgh Castle on its crag; Leith docks and the Lothian coastline.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runway is 12L/12R, meaning aircraft approach from the northwest over the desert and touch down heading southeast. The right side on approach gives views over Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts, while the left side faces the open desert. On the reciprocal runway 30, the right side captures the downtown skyline including the Burj Khalifa. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline; Dubai Creek and Deira district; Palm Jumeirah artificial island; Dubai Marina towers.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Dubai?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 7 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,590 miles (5,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the North Sea, then across the Netherlands and Germany, over the Alps or northern Italy depending on routing, across the Adriatic, over Greece and the Aegean Sea, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, then southeast over the Zagros Mountains of Iran, across the Persian Gulf coast, and into Dubai. The Zagros range and the Anatolian highlands are the most visually dramatic overland features at cruise altitude.