The right side offers a stronger combination of scenic value: a coastal, industrial view during the Houston departure and a dramatic skyline-and-coastline approach into Dubai, while the left side's cruise-phase advantage over Greenland and Scandinavia is offset by many hours of featureless ocean and cloud cover.
Flown IAH to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Dubai is 8,156 miles (13,125 km), a flight of about 14 hours 50 minutes.
Greenland ice sheet, Norwegian Sea and coastline, Caucasus Mountains, Zagros Mountains of Iran, Persian Gulf
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDepartures from IAH typically climb out toward the southeast before turning onto the long-haul routing, giving right-side passengers a view over the Houston Ship Channel, refineries, and Galveston Bay before the aircraft turns east over the Gulf coast.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTArrivals into DXB from the north/northwest typically descend over the Persian Gulf and turn to align with the runway, putting Dubai's coastline landmarks - Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab - on the right side of the aircraft during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Dubai. The right side offers a stronger combination of scenic value: a coastal, industrial view during the Houston departure and a dramatic skyline-and-coastline approach into Dubai, while the left side's cruise-phase advantage over Greenland and Scandinavia is offset by many hours of featureless ocean and cloud cover.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from IAH typically climb out toward the southeast before turning onto the long-haul routing, giving right-side passengers a view over the Houston Ship Channel, refineries, and Galveston Bay before the aircraft turns east over the Gulf coast. Notable sights include: Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, Houston downtown skyline (distant), Gulf of Mexico 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. Arrivals into DXB from the north/northwest typically descend over the Persian Gulf and turn to align with the runway, putting Dubai's coastline landmarks - Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab - on the right side of the aircraft during final approach. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina towers, Persian Gulf coastline.
How long is the flight from Houston to Dubai?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 14 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,156 miles (13,125 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Dubai flight path pass over?
Greenland ice sheet, Norwegian Sea and coastline, Caucasus Mountains, Zagros Mountains of Iran, Persian Gulf