AUH (Abu Dhabi) landing window seat guide

Best window seat landing at Abu Dhabi International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

LandingRIGHT

Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance

🛬 Landing at Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the typical approach to runway 13R, aircraft descend from the northwest before turning onto final for the southeast-facing runway. During this turn and on final, the right side offers views over Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi coastline, while the left side mostly faces empty desert inland.
Look forYas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat Island
Left window seat view during landing at Abu Dhabi (AUH), Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat IslandLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Abu Dhabi (AUH), Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat IslandRight Side
Abu DhabiPhoto: Siyuan Zhao

Abu Dhabi International is the UAE's second-busiest airport and the hub for Etihad Airways, featuring the modern Midfield Terminal (Terminal A), one of the largest airport buildings in the world, which opened in 2023 to consolidate most operations.

⛰️ Elevation89 ft
🛫 Runways2 (13R/31L, 13L/31R)
✈️ HubEtihad Airways, Etihad Cargo, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?

When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical approach to runway 13R, aircraft descend from the northwest before turning onto final for the southeast-facing runway. During this turn and on final, the right side offers views over Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi coastline, while the left side mostly faces empty desert inland. Notable sights include: Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat Island.

What can I see when arriving at Abu Dhabi?

Arriving at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi, passengers on the Right side enjoy views of Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit), Abu Dhabi city skyline in the distance, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat Island. On the typical approach to runway 13R, aircraft descend from the northwest before turning onto final for the southeast-facing runway. During this turn and on final, the right side offers views over Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi coastline, while the left side mostly faces empty desert inland.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Abu Dhabi International?

The best window seat landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Abu Dhabi (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.