cphan17

Can you get a view of the Palm Islands when flying into Dubai? If so, which side of the plane should I sit on?

DYKWIA

It depends on which way the plane arrives from. If it's from the west you may get a view out of the right side windows - depending on how hazy it is.

If it's from the east, you won't see much unless the plane heads out to the west before turning back to land.

skywardhunter

Depends on prevailing winds. Generally runways 30 in use (northerly) so on departure the Palm would be on your left. You go straight out over the World. However to get a good view you'd need to bank left and most flights don't fly that direction. It depends in the published SID (Standard Instrument Departure in use and whether any of them involve a westerly turn after departure.

It runways 12L and R are in use you'd have the Palm to your right on final approach and might fly past them on Approach depending on the STAR (standard terminal arrival route) in use. I think I recall there being one that involves flying in a North Easterly direction off the coast (I.e. to the left or the Palm so it'd be in your right, together with views if the Marina and Downtown Dubai.

m3red

Go to the Observatory in the Marina. Great view of the palm.

DYKWIA

We're staying there in November Never been before.

subject2load

Always good to be told of alternative options !

And this one does sound a lot simpler than worrying about seat allocation, let alone trying to second-guess runway use and prevailing winds

m3red

The view of the palm is quite spectacular. And its a good brunch up there.

I've seen the palm from the air a few times but not that often. I think the view from the observatory is probably (after skydiving) the best!

Enjoy and see you soon

ft101

Too much like hard work. Google Maps is much less effort.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...5!4d55.0204019

ioto1902

Flights land in the axis of the runway. If you come from the land side, no chance to see the Palm.
If you come from the sea, you may be able to see it starboard (right side) whether you land on 30L or 12L. But, don't expect to take pictures as it is far away, and it will be covered by haze.
On the other hand, you'll have a good glimpse of the World.

skywardhunter

A right base to 12L or extended left downwind to 30L would pass the Palm.

sharp5flat9

From 30,000 ft flying DOH-BKK on QR: https://www.dropbox.com/s/yehf85mej3...963_n.jpg?dl=0

From the 53rd floor of the Observatory: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rxsb9cuwjy...71101.jpg?dl=0

You can track the historical path of your flight number on fr24.com