Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Saudi Arabia and the Empty Quarter the views are largely featureless desert on both sides, so the takeoff and landing phases dominate the decision. Left delivers the Tel Aviv coast on departure and the Dubai Creek and city on arrival.
Flown TLV to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tel Aviv to Dubai is 1,324 miles (2,132 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
The route tracks southeast from Israel across the northern Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, passing well south of Riyadh. The dominant feature for most of the cruise is the Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter, the world's largest continuous sand desert, with vast orange-red erg dunes visible from altitude. The Hajar Mountains of Oman appear faintly on the southern horizon as the aircraft descends toward Dubai. The Arabian Gulf coast becomes visible in the final 100 miles of descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TLV
LEFTBen Gurion's primary departure runway 26 sends aircraft westward before turning southeast toward the Gulf. A left (south-facing) seat captures the Tel Aviv coastline, the Mediterranean shoreline, and the urban sprawl of the Dan metropolitan area as you climb out. The right side faces inland toward the Judean foothills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at DXB
LEFTDubai International's primary arrival on runway 30L/30R brings aircraft in from the southeast over the desert, tracking northwest toward the city. A left (south-facing) seat gives you the Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts, while the right side faces the open desert. On runway 12 arrivals from the north, the left side still captures the coastline and Palm Jumeirah area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Saudi Arabia and the Empty Quarter the views are largely featureless desert on both sides, so the takeoff and landing phases dominate the decision. Left delivers the Tel Aviv coast on departure and the Dubai Creek and city on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
During takeoff from Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ben Gurion's primary departure runway 26 sends aircraft westward before turning southeast toward the Gulf. A left (south-facing) seat captures the Tel Aviv coastline, the Mediterranean shoreline, and the urban sprawl of the Dan metropolitan area as you climb out. The right side faces inland toward the Judean foothills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv beachfront and port, Jaffa's old city promontory on the coast, the Mediterranean Sea stretching to the horizon, the Yarkon River mouth near the city center.
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's primary arrival on runway 30L/30R brings aircraft in from the southeast over the desert, tracking northwest toward the city. A left (south-facing) seat gives you the Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts, while the right side faces the open desert. On runway 12 arrivals from the north, the left side still captures the coastline and Palm Jumeirah area. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, the downtown Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa visible to the southwest, the desert expanse of the Rub al Khali edge, Dubai's coastal development along the Arabian Gulf.
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Dubai?
The flight from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,324 miles (2,132 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tel Aviv to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast from Israel across the northern Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, passing well south of Riyadh. The dominant feature for most of the cruise is the Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter, the world's largest continuous sand desert, with vast orange-red erg dunes visible from altitude. The Hajar Mountains of Oman appear faintly on the southern horizon as the aircraft descends toward Dubai. The Arabian Gulf coast becomes visible in the final 100 miles of descent.