Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Abu Dhabi. The right side wins overall because the Manila Bay departure view is one of the most dramatic urban-coastal departures in Southeast Asia, and during the long overwater cruise the right side also faces south toward the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean. The Abu Dhabi arrival advantage on the left is real but briefer. For the full flight experience, right side edges it.

During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. NAIA's runways 06/24 and 13/31 mean most departures heading northwest or west give the right side a clear view over Manila Bay and the city. The right side captures the broad expanse of Manila Bay as the aircraft climbs, with the Cavite peninsula visible to the south and the Manila skyline receding behind. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Cavite peninsula, Manila city center and Roxas Boulevard waterfront, Laguna de Bay (visible to the southeast on left side, but right side gets the bay).

When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Abu Dhabi International typically uses runways 13/31 or 01/19. Approaches from the east or northeast put the left side over Abu Dhabi city's coastline, the Corniche waterfront, and the distinctive pattern of the city's artificial islands and the Persian Gulf shallows. The right side faces inland desert. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi Corniche and city center, Persian Gulf shallow turquoise waters, Yas Island (to the south of approach path), Abu Dhabi's coastal island network.

The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.

The route tracks northwest from Manila across the South China Sea, over southern Vietnam or the Gulf of Thailand, then across the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may be visible as small specks far below. The flight then crosses southern India or Sri Lanka depending on routing, transits over the Arabian Sea, and descends into the UAE. Much of the flight is over open ocean or the Indian subcontinent's flat Deccan Plateau, with the Western Ghats range occasionally visible as a low ridge along India's west coast.