The left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Shanghai it captures the full city panorama and river system; over Dubai it faces the coastline, creek, and skyline. The mid-flight routing over central China, the Tibetan Plateau fringes, and the Hindu Kush is largely symmetrical, so the decisive advantage is at departure and arrival.
Flown PVG to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Dubai is 4,007 miles (6,448 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks west-northwest across central China over the Yangtze River basin, then crosses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau with high-altitude terrain visible below, passes over Xinjiang's Tarim Basin and the Taklamakan Desert, crosses into Central Asia over the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, then descends over the Iranian plateau and the Strait of Hormuz before reaching the Arabian Gulf and Dubai.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTPVG typically departs westbound on runway 34L/16R or eastbound on 35L/17R. For westbound departures heading toward Dubai, the left side gives you a sweeping view of the Huangpu River snaking through central Shanghai, the dense Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower cluster, and the vast urban grid of the city. The right side faces the East China Sea with little to see.
Landing at DXB
LEFTDubai International typically lands on runways 12L/12R (heading southeast) or 30L/30R (heading northwest). On the common northwest approach over the city, the left side faces south toward the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older urban core, while also capturing the coastline of the Arabian Gulf. The right side faces inland desert with little visual interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Dubai. The left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Shanghai it captures the full city panorama and river system; over Dubai it faces the coastline, creek, and skyline. The mid-flight routing over central China, the Tibetan Plateau fringes, and the Hindu Kush is largely symmetrical, so the decisive advantage is at departure and arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVG typically departs westbound on runway 34L/16R or eastbound on 35L/17R. For westbound departures heading toward Dubai, the left side gives you a sweeping view of the Huangpu River snaking through central Shanghai, the dense Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower cluster, and the vast urban grid of the city. The right side faces the East China Sea with little to see. Notable sights include: Huangpu River bends through central Shanghai, Pudong CBD skyline (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, SWFC), Suzhou Creek confluence, sprawling suburban grid of western Shanghai districts.
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. Dubai International typically lands on runways 12L/12R (heading southeast) or 30L/30R (heading northwest). On the common northwest approach over the city, the left side faces south toward the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older urban core, while also capturing the coastline of the Arabian Gulf. The right side faces inland desert with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Arabian Gulf coastline, Palm Jumeirah visible to the southwest, downtown Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Dubai?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,007 miles (6,448 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route tracks west-northwest across central China over the Yangtze River basin, then crosses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau with high-altitude terrain visible below, passes over Xinjiang's Tarim Basin and the Taklamakan Desert, crosses into Central Asia over the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, then descends over the Iranian plateau and the Strait of Hormuz before reaching the Arabian Gulf and Dubai.