Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Abu Dhabi. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery from Athens is more visually distinctive and varied than the landing approach. The Saronic Gulf and Aegean islands provide more dramatic and interesting views than the relatively flat desert approach to Abu Dhabi.

During takeoff from Athinai (HEW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Athens. You'll see the irregular rocky shoreline and islands dotting the Aegean approach. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Attica Peninsula coastline, Aegean Sea islands, Mount Hymettus (distant inland).

When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Abu Dhabi. You'll see the Persian Gulf coastline, the flat desert interior, and the distinctive urban sprawl of Abu Dhabi city as you approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi city grid, flat Arabian Desert, Jebel Dhanna peninsula.

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

The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, passing over or near Cyprus (visible as a large island if on the northern route), then continues southeast over the open Mediterranean and eastern Mediterranean basin before turning toward the Arabian Peninsula. The Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey may be visible to the north on the left side during the initial climb. As the aircraft approaches the Middle East, the transition from Mediterranean blue water to the arid landmass of the Levant and Arabian Peninsula becomes apparent. The Dead Sea region and the Jordan Rift Valley may be visible on the left (west) side during mid-flight. The final approach crosses the flat, featureless Arabian Desert with scattered settlements and the eventual appearance of the Persian Gulf coastline.