While the right side offers the better Madinah departure view, the left side captures the Arabian Gulf coastline during cruise, the Hajar Mountains of Oman on the distant horizon as the flight crosses the UAE border, and the spectacular Dubai approach with Palm Jumeirah and the city skyline. The left side delivers more sustained interest across the full flight.
Flown MED to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madinah to Dubai is 982 miles (1,581 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, the largest continuous sand desert in the world, with vast orange-red erg dunes visible below. As the route progresses northeast, the terrain transitions to the gravel plains of the UAE interior. The Hajar Mountains appear on the far horizon to the right as the aircraft approaches UAE airspace. The Arabian Gulf coastline becomes visible on the left side during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MED
RIGHTMED typically departs on runway 35 (northbound) or 17 (southbound). On a northeast-bound flight to DXB, aircraft commonly use runway 17 departure heading south then turning east, placing the Hejaz Mountains and the outskirts of Madinah city on the right side. The historic Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque complex is visible to the right during the initial climb before the turn.
Landing at DXB
LEFTDXB typically lands on runways 12L/12R from the northwest, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northwest heading southeast. This puts the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city core on the left side, with the Arabian Gulf coastline and Palm Jumeirah visible further left on the horizon during the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madinah to Dubai. While the right side offers the better Madinah departure view, the left side captures the Arabian Gulf coastline during cruise, the Hajar Mountains of Oman on the distant horizon as the flight crosses the UAE border, and the spectacular Dubai approach with Palm Jumeirah and the city skyline. The left side delivers more sustained interest across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
During takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Right side for the best views. MED typically departs on runway 35 (northbound) or 17 (southbound). On a northeast-bound flight to DXB, aircraft commonly use runway 17 departure heading south then turning east, placing the Hejaz Mountains and the outskirts of Madinah city on the right side. The historic Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque complex is visible to the right during the initial climb before the turn. Notable sights include: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) green dome complex, Hejaz Mountains to the east, Madinah urban grid and date palm farms, Harrat Rahat volcanic lava field southeast of the city.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. DXB typically lands on runways 12L/12R from the northwest, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northwest heading southeast. This puts the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city core on the left side, with the Arabian Gulf coastline and Palm Jumeirah visible further left on the horizon during the approach. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Palm Jumeirah offshore island, Arabian Gulf coastline, Dubai city skyline including Burj Khalifa visible to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Madinah to Dubai?
The flight from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 982 miles (1,581 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madinah to Dubai flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, the largest continuous sand desert in the world, with vast orange-red erg dunes visible below. As the route progresses northeast, the terrain transitions to the gravel plains of the UAE interior. The Hajar Mountains appear on the far horizon to the right as the aircraft approaches UAE airspace. The Arabian Gulf coastline becomes visible on the left side during descent.