Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Dubai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the early cruise over Europe, the left side also tracks closer to the Alps as the route heads southeast over Austria and the Balkans. Over the Arabian Peninsula on descent, the left side holds the Gulf coastline and Dubai's urban geography.

During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure, the left side faces east toward the Alps, giving a direct view of the Glarus Alps and Lake Zurich stretching away below. Even on runway 28 departures, the left side captures Lake Zurich and the city center during the climbing turn southeast. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) below, Glarus Alps on the eastern horizon, Lake Walen (Walensee) to the southeast, Zurich city center and Limmat river valley.

When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runway is 12L/12R, with aircraft approaching from the northwest over the desert and touching down heading southeast. The left side on final approach faces northeast, looking directly over Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts. The right side faces southwest toward the desert hinterland. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Dubai city skyline including Downtown Dubai towers visible to the southwest, Palm Jumeirah visible further along the coast, Persian Gulf coastline.

The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes.

The route passes over the Austrian Alps and Innsbruck, then southeast over the Balkans including Bosnia and Serbia, across Greece and the Aegean Sea, over Turkey and into the eastern Mediterranean. The flight then crosses Cyprus, Lebanon or northern Israel, and descends over Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Zagros Mountains of Iran may be visible to the left on some routing variations. The Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula desert are visible in the final hour of cruise.