Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Dubai. While the right side wins at takeoff for Port Phillip Bay views, the left side captures the most dramatic moment of the entire flight — the Dubai skyline approach with the Burj Khalifa. Over the long cruise, the left side also tracks closer to the Indian subcontinent coastline and the Arabian Sea, offering more geographic interest during daylight hours depending on departure time.

During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne's runways 16/34 and 27/09 are the primary configurations. Departing northbound or westbound toward the Middle East, the right side gives you Port Phillip Bay's broad expanse and the Melbourne CBD skyline receding behind you. The Yarra River snaking through the city grid is clearly identifiable from low altitude. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD and Docklands, Yarra River delta, Mornington Peninsula across the bay.

When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary landing runways are 12L/12R, meaning aircraft approach from the northwest over the desert and touch down heading southeast. The left side on approach gives a clear view of Dubai Creek, the historic Deira district, and the dense Downtown Dubai skyline including the Burj Khalifa before touchdown. The right side faces mostly open desert and industrial port areas. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek and Deira district, Palm Jumeirah visible further southwest, Dubai Frame area.

The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.

The flight tracks northwest across the Australian interior (largely featureless red desert), crosses the Indian Ocean, passes over or near Sri Lanka and the southern tip of India, crosses the Arabian Sea, and enters the Arabian Peninsula over Oman before descending into Dubai. The Western Ghats coastline of India and the Gulf of Oman are the most visually distinctive geographic features at cruise altitude during daylight.