Right-side seats win overall because the Shanghai departure offers more dramatic urban scenery (Pudong skyline, Oriental Pearl Tower, river dynamics) than the Abu Dhabi landing's more subtle coastal and desert features. The takeoff experience is more visually compelling.
Flown PVG to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Abu Dhabi is 4,070 miles (6,550 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The flight path crosses the Taklamakan Desert (visible as tan, featureless expanse around 3-4 hours into flight), the Pamir Mountains' eastern ranges (distant peaks on the horizon), the Caspian Sea's eastern shore (dark water body visible around 5-6 hours), and the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (low mountain ridges). The route then transitions over the Iranian plateau and Persian Gulf approaches. Most midpoint features are subtle at cruise altitude; the Taklamakan is the most visually distinctive segment.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline during the initial climb-out, with the distinctive Oriental Pearl Tower and financial district clearly visible. The departure typically uses runways 08L/08R heading east, so right seats get the best angle on Shanghai's urban core before the aircraft banks southwestward.
Landing at AUH
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Persian Gulf, coastal salt pans, and the approach path over Abu Dhabi's western industrial zones. Typical landing runways are 09L/09R heading west, so left seats face the gulf and coastal features during descent. The contrast between turquoise gulf waters and tan desert is striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi. Right-side seats win overall because the Shanghai departure offers more dramatic urban scenery (Pudong skyline, Oriental Pearl Tower, river dynamics) than the Abu Dhabi landing's more subtle coastal and desert features. The takeoff experience is more visually compelling.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline during the initial climb-out, with the distinctive Oriental Pearl Tower and financial district clearly visible. The departure typically uses runways 08L/08R heading east, so right seats get the best angle on Shanghai's urban core before the aircraft banks southwestward. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (dark ribbon cutting through the city), Oriental Pearl Tower (distinctive three-sphere structure), Pudong financial district skyscrapers, Suzhou Creek confluence.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Persian Gulf, coastal salt pans, and the approach path over Abu Dhabi's western industrial zones. Typical landing runways are 09L/09R heading west, so left seats face the gulf and coastal features during descent. The contrast between turquoise gulf waters and tan desert is striking. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (turquoise waters), Abu Dhabi coastal salt pans (white geometric patterns), Jebel Dhanna island (low, sandy), Western Region industrial zone.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,070 miles (6,550 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taklamakan Desert (visible as tan, featureless expanse around 3-4 hours into flight), the Pamir Mountains' eastern ranges (distant peaks on the horizon), the Caspian Sea's eastern shore (dark water body visible around 5-6 hours), and the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (low mountain ridges). The route then transitions over the Iranian plateau and Persian Gulf approaches. Most midpoint features are subtle at cruise altitude; the Taklamakan is the most visually distinctive segment.