Emirates has launched a new recruitment drive in Dubai, advertising 131 job openings across various departments, with details provided on available roles, required qualifications, and salary packages for top positions.
Dubai employment update: Emirates announces 131 vacancies, key roles and pay outlined.
Emirates Airline, widely recognised as the world’s largest international carrier, is preparing for significant growth as it moves forward with plans to substantially expand its aircraft fleet over the next several years. This large-scale expansion is expected to create thousands of new job opportunities across a wide range of roles within the airline. Speaking in November 2025, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline, highlighted that the addition of hundreds of new aircraft will naturally increase the demand for skilled professionals in multiple operational and support functions.
According to Sheikh Ahmed, the airline’s growth strategy will drive recruitment in key areas such as cabin crew, flight deck personnel, aircraft engineers, and a broad spectrum of support services that keep daily operations running smoothly. Each new aircraft requires a substantial workforce to operate, maintain, and manage, meaning that fleet expansion directly translates into long-term employment opportunities. He emphasised that Emirates remains committed to building a highly trained and diverse workforce to support its global network and maintain its reputation for service excellence and operational reliability.
Currently, the Emirates Group employs approximately 124,000 people across its various businesses, making it one of the largest employers in the aviation and travel sector worldwide. These employees represent a wide range of nationalities and professional backgrounds, reflecting the airline’s global reach and inclusive recruitment approach. As the fleet continues to grow, this number is expected to rise steadily, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.
Further insight into the airline’s long-term hiring plans was shared by Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airline. He recently revealed that Emirates aims to recruit around 5,000 pilots over the next eight to ten years. This ambitious target reflects both the scale of the airline’s planned fleet expansion and its focus on ensuring sufficient capacity to operate an increasing number of routes and frequencies. The pilot recruitment drive will include both experienced aviators and those entering through structured training and development programmes.
Industry observers note that such expansion also brings opportunities beyond frontline aviation roles. Growth at this scale typically boosts demand in areas such as ground handling, customer service, information technology, safety, training, and corporate support functions. Emirates’ long-term vision, supported by strong investment and strategic planning, signals continued job creation and career development opportunities for professionals seeking to work in one of the world’s most dynamic airline environments.
The airline’s plans to significantly grow its fleet are being welcomed by jobseekers who are eager to build long-term careers with one of the world’s most prominent aviation brands. This expansion signals a strong commitment to future growth and opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities across multiple departments. For individuals looking to join or advance within the aviation industry, the current phase represents a promising moment to apply and prepare for roles that offer both stability and international exposure.
At present, Emirates has listed 131 open positions on its official careers portal, reflecting its ongoing recruitment efforts to support current operations as well as future expansion. These vacancies span various functions, from frontline operational roles to technical and corporate positions, catering to candidates with different levels of experience and professional backgrounds. The airline is known for its structured career paths, world-class training programmes, and a strong emphasis on employee development, making it an attractive employer for both seasoned professionals and those entering the industry.
Many of the available roles are considered highly sought after due to the comprehensive compensation packages offered. In addition to competitive salaries, employees typically receive benefits such as accommodation or housing allowances, medical coverage, travel privileges, and generous annual leave. For certain roles, especially those involving flight operations or customer-facing duties, the opportunity to travel extensively and experience different cultures is a major draw.
Beyond financial rewards, working with Emirates offers exposure to a truly global environment, with colleagues and customers from around the world. The airline’s reputation for innovation, safety, and service excellence also adds to the appeal, as employees gain experience within a respected international organisation. For aspirants seeking career growth, professional development, and the chance to explore the world while working, the current openings represent a valuable opportunity to join an airline that continues to expand and invest in its people.
To qualify for a Captain position on Emirates’ A350 or A380 fleet, candidates must have accumulated at least 7,000 total flight hours on multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft. Only flight time spent in an operational cockpit role on turboprop or jet aircraft is considered valid, while simulator hours are not included in this requirement.
Compensation and benefits
Captains receive a competitive, tax-free remuneration package that can reach up to Dh1,185,000 per year. This overall package is made up of several components designed to support both professional and personal wellbeing.
The annual take-home earnings amount to approximately Dh575,000, combining base salary and flight-related pay. On a monthly basis, this translates to around Dh48,000 in net income, calculated on an average of 85 flying hours per month.
Emirates also provides fully furnished accommodation, including utilities, relieving captains of major housing expenses. Families benefit from an education allowance, offering up to Dh52,250 per year for primary schooling and Dh79,750 for secondary education, covering up to three children.
Captains are entitled to 42 days of paid annual leave each year, along with confirmed annual flight tickets for themselves and eligible dependents in Business Class, with the option to upgrade to First Class. In addition, staff enjoy extensive discounted travel privileges across all cabin classes for themselves and their families.
Other benefits include access to the Emirates Platinum card, which provides special discounts across retail, leisure, and service partners. Long-term financial security is supported through the company’s provident (pension) scheme, which includes employer contributions.
The benefits package is further strengthened by comprehensive medical coverage, life and accident insurance, and protection against loss of medical licence. Captains may also qualify for an annual profit-sharing bonus, depending on the airline’s overall performance, making the role one of the most attractive senior pilot positions in global aviation.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet specific flight experience and certification requirements to be considered for the role. Candidates are required to have accumulated at least 7,000 total flight hours. This total must exclude time logged on P3 aircraft, helicopters, and single- or multi-engine piston aircraft, as only relevant commercial flying experience is counted.
In addition, pilots must have logged a minimum of 150 hours as a Captain within the last 12 months on Airbus fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft. A valid ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), along with a corresponding Class 1 Medical Certificate issued by the appropriate aviation authority, is mandatory. Candidates must also demonstrate strong English language proficiency, with an ICAO English level of 5 or higher.
Aircraft-specific requirements
For the Airbus A380, applicants must have at least 3,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on Airbus FBW wide-body aircraft, including types such as the A330, A340, A350, or A380. Candidates must also be actively operating an Airbus FBW wide-body aircraft in a Captain role at the time of application.
For the Airbus A350, candidates are required to have a minimum of 3,000 hours as PIC on any Airbus FBW aircraft. This may include narrow-body or wide-body types such as the A320, A330, A340, A350, or A380. Applicants must currently be serving as a Captain on an Airbus FBW aircraft.
These requirements ensure that candidates possess recent, relevant experience and are fully prepared to operate Emirates’ advanced wide-body fleet.
Application process:
Interested candidates can submit their applications through Emirates’ official careers website. When applying, the following documents must be uploaded:
A detailed CV/resume
A valid passport
ICAO ATPL including the type rating for the aircraft you currently operate
Class 1 medical certificate without restrictions (visual corrections are acceptable)
Cabin Crew
Often considered one of the most glamorous positions at Emirates, the airline highlights specific qualities it seeks in cabin crew members. Candidates should possess “a vibrant personality, adaptability in any situation, and the ability to make passengers feel comfortable and at ease.”
The role goes beyond providing service; cabin crew are the airline’s frontline representatives. “As the face of Emirates, you’ll be the first point of contact for passengers seeking assistance or guidance during their journey, so being approachable, attentive, and supportive is essential,” the job description notes.
Safety and security are paramount, and cabin crew are expected to take charge confidently when managing in-flight operations, security measures, and emergency procedures. Emirates provides comprehensive training for all these responsibilities at its advanced training facility in Dubai.
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum of one year’s experience in hospitality or customer service
Positive attitude with the ability to deliver exceptional service in a team-oriented environment, interacting with passengers from diverse cultural backgrounds
High school diploma or equivalent (Grade 12)
Proficiency in written and spoken English; additional languages are advantageous
Minimum height of 160 cm and ability to reach 212 cm while standing on tiptoes to access emergency equipment on all aircraft
No visible tattoos while wearing the Emirates uniform (covering tattoos with bandages or cosmetics is not allowed)
Must meet UAE employment visa criteria, as the role is based in Dubai
Application Process:
Candidates can apply online through Emirates’ careers portal. Before submitting, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Updated CV in English
Recent photograph
Salary and Benefits
The compensation structure for this role consists of three main components: a fixed base salary, hourly flight pay, and an overseas meal allowance.
Base Salary: Dh4,980 per month
Flight Pay: Dh69.60 per hour, calculated on an average of 80–100 flight hours per month
Average Total Monthly Pay: Approximately Dh11,244
Accelerated Command Option
This opportunity allows pilots to join as Airbus First Officers with an enhanced pay package and the potential for an accelerated promotion to command. To qualify, candidates must log a minimum of 700 hours in the right-hand seat and successfully complete two Evidence-Based Training (EBT) recurrent modules.
Annual Salary Package:
Pilots in this program can receive a tax-free total package of up to Dh970,000 per year, which includes:
Annual net pay of Dh445,000, combining base salary and flight pay
Average monthly net pay of Dh37,100, based on roughly 85 flying hours
Company-provided accommodation with utilities included
Education allowance: Dh52,250 for primary schooling and Dh79,750 for secondary education, covering up to three children
42 calendar days of paid annual leave
Confirmed annual leave tickets for the pilot and eligible dependents, upgradeable to Business Class
Emirates Platinum card providing exclusive retail, leisure, and service discounts
Concessional travel benefits for the pilot and dependents across all cabin classes
Employer contributions to the Provident (pension) scheme
Comprehensive coverage including medical, life, and accident insurance
Eligibility for an annual profit-sharing bonus tied to company performance
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum of 5,000 total flight hours (excluding P3, rotary, and single- or multi-engine piston aircraft)
At least 2,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command on Boeing or Airbus FBW aircraft
Minimum 1,000 hours on Airbus FBW types
Experience on Airbus FBW within the last three years
Minimum of 150 hours in the past 12 months on Airbus FBW or Boeing aircraft
Valid ICAO ATPL with a matching Class 1 Medical Certificate
ICAO English proficiency Level 5 or higher
Application Process:
Applicants must submit their documents online through Emirates’ careers portal. Required documents include:
Updated CV
Valid passport
ICAO ATPL with the type rating for the aircraft currently operated
Class 1 Medical Certificate without restrictions (visual corrections are acceptable)
First Officer Role
Emirates is looking for motivated and skilled pilots to join as First Officers. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical ability, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence while thriving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment alongside aviation professionals from around the globe.
Compensation and Benefits:
First Officers at Emirates can receive a tax-free total annual package of up to Dh900,000, which includes:
Annual take-home pay of Dh385,000, combining basic salary and flight allowances
Average monthly take-home pay of Dh32,100, based on roughly 85 flight hours
Company-provided accommodation including utilities
Education allowance: Dh52,250 for primary and Dh79,750 for secondary schooling (up to three children)
42 calendar days of annual leave
Confirmed annual leave tickets for the pilot and dependents, upgradeable to Business Class
Emirates Platinum card offering exclusive discounts on retail, leisure, and services
Concessional travel privileges for employees and eligible dependents
Employer contributions to the Provident (pension) scheme
Comprehensive insurance covering medical, life, and accident
Eligibility for an annual profit-sharing bonus linked to company performance
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum of 2,000 total flight hours; candidates with over 4,000 hours may qualify for an enhanced pay package
For Boeing 777: 2,000+ hours on ≥20T jets, 1,000 hours on Boeing type, currently flying Boeing, 150 hours in past 12 months, valid ICAO ATPL, Class 1 Medical, ICAO English Level 4+
For Airbus A380/A350: 2,000+ hours on ≥50T jets, 1,000 hours on Airbus FBW, currently flying Airbus, 150 hours in past 12 months, valid ICAO ATPL, Class 1 Medical, ICAO English Level 4+
Enhanced package: 4,000+ hours on ≥20T jets, 2,000+ hours on ≥50T jets, ICAO English Level 5+
Frozen ATPL holders (CPL + ATPL Theory completed) may be considered if they accept FATPL terms
Required Documents for Application:
Updated CV
Passport
ATPL with type rating (or CPL + ATPL Theory for Frozen ATPL)
Class 1 Medical Certificate with no restrictions (except vision corrections)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License (AMEL) – UAE Nationals
UAE citizens can join Emirates’ fully sponsored AMEL Scholarship program at the Emirates Engineering Training College in Dubai. This five-year program consists of:
Phase 1 – Initial Training (3 years): Intensive theoretical and practical training. Graduates earn a GCAA certificate, a Higher Diploma from Emirates Aviation University, and Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from NQC-MOHESR. Monthly salary: Dh8,665. Benefits include family travel tickets, medical coverage, and Emirates Platinum discounts.
Phase 2 – Practical Maintenance Experience (2 years): Hands-on experience working on aircraft, leading to eligibility to apply for the Basic AMEL license. Salary progression: Year 1 – Dh21,659, Year 2 – Dh22,659, post-completion – Dh23,697.
Eligibility for AMEL Program:
Age 18–24, Grade 12 completion with at least 80%
Completion of National Service if applicable
Medically fit with UAE passport and Khulasat Al Qaid
English proficiency (TOEFL PBT 510 / IBT 6.5 or IELTS 6)
Selection Process:
Math and Physics tests
Panel interview
Medical examination
Documents Required: CV, highest education certificate, passport, Emirates ID, Khulasat Al Qaid, and National Service completion letter (if applicable).
Further career opportunities across multiple job categories are available on the Emirates careers portal.
