Summary
The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s great centres for aviation.
Airlines like Emirates and Etihad link all corners of the globe at their giant hubs, with hundreds of aircraft in their fleets.
Airports like Dubai International are also a focus for many other interesting carriers flying in from across Africa, the Middle East and Asia – many of which aren’t regularly seen elsewhere.
As a result, Dubai is a really enticing place for plane spotters and photographers. But it’s not that easy…
Restrictions on Plane Spotting
Plane spotting is not generally permitted or understood in the United Arab Emirates – or much of the Middle East for that matter.
Pointing cameras and binoculars at aircraft, and loitering around airport fences or on top of buildings can, naturally, raise suspicion and result in a speedy visit from police or security forces.
This has on many occasions led to arrest or questioning, and a warning not to continue.
Even if it doesn’t go this far, you may be asked to delete photographs from your camera.
But Spotting Does Happen in Dubai
Dubai Airport. Photo: Michael Ranzau
Despite these restrictions, a quick look online will reveal thousands of photographs of aircraft taken in Dubai and across the Middle East.
Reports from plane spotters regularly come in listing aircraft seen, and show off photos of Emirates A380s, rare airlines from Africa, Russia and around the Middle East.
And we know of many hotels and vantage points that offer great views of the action.
It all seems very enticing, and possible. So what’s going on?
Discretion is the Key
If you want to go plane spotting in Dubai, the way to do it successfully is to be discrete.
Many plane spotters visit every year, taking pictures and noting down aircraft registrations. And there’s no reason for you to miss out if this is somewhere you want to visit.
If you want to go plane spotting in Dubai, for example, the way to successfully do this is by keeping your cameras and binoculars hidden, only taking them out when needed.
Obey rules and and warnings.
And stick to safer places, like hotel rooftops or your own room if you can find one with views of the action.
The Best Plane Spotting Locations in Dubai
View from the Premier Inn Dubai Airport. Photo: Paul Moiser
The best places to watch and spot aircraft at Dubai International Airport are some of the hotels nearby.
The best are:
Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat
Located in the Deira district a mile or so from Terminal 1. It has views of aircraft on approach to the 12L/R runways. There is a rooftop pool area, and rooms facing north will have a similar view. Aim for rooms 501-503, 601-603 or 701-703.
Nojoum Hotel Apartments
The Nojoum has rooms facing the approach to the airport, similar to the Hilton Garden Inn. Ask for a room on at least the fifth floor for the best views. Rooms have balconies, which are useful for private spotting without worrying about equipment. The hotel also has a rooftop pool area which can be used for spotting.
Premier Inn Dubai Airport
The Premier Inn is alongside Terminal 3 and has a rooftop terrace which overlooks the airport terminal area and many of the gates. If you get a good room, you have similar views. The runways are distant beyond, but with flight tracking websites you can tie up most movements. Photography is possible of aircraft around the terminals, providing guests are discreet. Room windows open to allow lenses out.
There are alternate places where you can see aircraft action from outside the airport perimeter – particularly on the approach path at either end of the runways. But this is where discretion is even more important.
And another good option is from within the airport itself. If you are in transit or waiting for a flight, the windows within the terminals at Dubai International are good for spotting. Here you will also see plenty of other people taking pictures and videos using smartphones, so it looks less conspicuous if you do the same. Just avoid the telephoto lenses!
Do you have any tips on plane spotting in Dubai? Leave a comment below.
World Airport Spotting Guides
To get the best tips on plane spotting at hundreds of airports around the world, you need a copy of World Airport Spotting Guides.
This compact book has all the tips on the locations you need to try to make the most of your spotting and aircraft photography. It tells you where to stand, what you’ll see, has handy maps, and even includes tips on the best plane spotting hotels and nearby aviation attractions like museums.
Try it today. Get your copy here.
