Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, currently has 131 vacancies listed on their careers website. With plans to add hundreds of aircraft and recruit 5,000 pilots over the next decade, now is an excellent time to explore career opportunities with Dubai’s flagship carrier.
The airline employs approximately 124,000 people within the Emirates Group. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline, confirmed the expansion plans in November 2025.
Key Takeaway
Emirates is hiring across 131 positions including pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. Captains can earn up to Dh1.185 million annually tax-free, while cabin crew receive approximately Dh11,244 monthly. All positions include accommodation, travel benefits, medical insurance, and profit-sharing eligibility. Apply directly through emiratesgroupcareers.com.
What Positions Are Available at Emirates Right Now?
The 131 vacancies span multiple categories including flight crew, engineering, and support services. The most sought-after roles include Direct Entry Captain, First Officer, Accelerated Command, Cabin Crew, and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Scholarship Programme.
Each position offers a comprehensive tax-free salary package with benefits that extend to dependents. Understanding the Emirates application process helps candidates prepare competitive applications.
Direct Entry Captain: Dh1.185 Million Annual Package
This is the highest-paying position currently advertised. Emirates seeks experienced captains for their A350 and A380 fleets.
Annual Package Breakdown:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual take-home cash | Dh575,000 |
| Monthly take-home (85 flying hours average) | Dh48,000 |
| Total annual package | Up to Dh1,185,000 |
Benefits included:
- Company-provided accommodation with utilities
- Education allowance: Dh52,250 (primary) and Dh79,750 (secondary) for up to 3 children
- 42 calendar days annual leave
- Business Class leave tickets upgradeable to First Class
- Emirates Platinum card discounts
- Concessional travel for you and dependents
- Provident scheme employer contribution
- Medical, life, accident, and loss of medical licence insurance
- Annual profit share eligibility
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum 7,000 hours total flying time (multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft)
- Valid ICAO ATPL with matching Authority Class 1 Medical
- ICAO English Level 5 or above
- For A380: Minimum 3,000 hours PIC on Airbus FBW wide-body, currently flying as Captain
- For A350: Minimum 3,000 hours PIC on any Airbus FBW, currently flying as Captain
- Minimum 150 hours in past 12 months on Airbus FBW as Captain
Documents Required:
- CV
- Passport
- ATPL with current type-rating
- Class 1 medical certificate (no limitations except visual corrections)
Emirates continues boosting pilot recruitment with enhanced packages and career progression opportunities.
First Officer: Up to Dh900,000 Annual Package
First Officers join Emirates operating Boeing 777, Airbus A380, or A350 aircraft. The airline welcomes pilots with varying experience levels.
Salary Structure:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual take-home cash | Dh385,000 |
| Monthly take-home (85 flying hours) | Dh32,100 |
| Total annual package | Up to Dh900,000 |
First Officers receive identical benefits to Captains, with leave tickets upgradeable to Business Class.
Eligibility Requirements:
For Boeing 777:
- Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time on aircraft ≥20T Jet
- Minimum 1,000 hours on Boeing Type
- Currently flying Boeing Type
- 150 hours minimum within past 12 months on type
- Valid ICAO ATPL and Class 1 Medical
- ICAO English Level 4 or above
For A380 and A350:
- Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time on aircraft ≥50T Jet
- Minimum 1,000 hours on Airbus FBW
- Currently flying Airbus FBW
- 150 hours minimum within past 12 months on type
Enhanced Package Available:
Pilots with 4,000+ hours total flying time qualify for improved compensation. Requirements include minimum 2,000 hours on ≥50T Jet and ICAO English Level 5 or above.
Emirates also accepts pilots holding Frozen ATPL (CPL plus completed ATPL theory exams) under specific terms.
For detailed salary breakdowns, see our Emirates pilot salary guide.
Accelerated Command: Dh970,000 Annual Package
This programme fast-tracks experienced pilots to Captain positions. Candidates join as Airbus First Officers with an accelerated command upgrade pathway.
Requirements for Command Upgrade:
- Operate right-hand seat for minimum 700 stick hours
- Complete two Evidence Based Training (EBT) recurrent modules
Salary and Benefits:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual take-home cash | Dh445,000 |
| Monthly take-home (85 flying hours) | Dh37,100 |
| Total annual package | Up to Dh970,000 |
Eligibility:
- Minimum 5,000 hours total flying time
- Minimum 2,000 hours command time on Boeing/Airbus FBW types
- Minimum 1,000 hours Airbus FBW
- Airbus FBW type flown within past 3 years
- 150 hours minimum in past 12 months on Airbus FBW/Boeing
- Valid ICAO ATPL with Class 1 Medical
- ICAO English Level 5 or above
Cabin Crew: Dh11,244 Average Monthly Salary
Emirates describes cabin crew as “the face of Emirates” requiring candidates with personality, adaptability, and service excellence. The role combines customer service with safety responsibilities.
Salary Components:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | Dh4,980/month |
| Flying pay | Dh69.60/hour (80-100 hours average) |
| Overseas meal allowance | Included |
| Average total pay | Dh11,244/month |
Benefits Package:
- Tax-free income
- Accommodation provided
- Comprehensive training at Emirates Dubai facility
- Travel benefits worldwide
- Medical coverage
- Career progression opportunities
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum 1 year hospitality or customer service experience
- High school graduate (Grade 12)
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Minimum height 160cm with 212cm arm reach on tiptoes
- No visible tattoos in uniform
- Meet UAE employment visa requirements
Additional languages provide competitive advantage during selection.
For application details, read our Emirates cabin crew jobs guide.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Scholarship (UAE Nationals)
This Emiratisation programme offers UAE nationals a fully sponsored path to becoming certified aircraft technicians. The five-year programme takes place at Emirates Engineering Training College in Dubai.
Phase 1: Initial Training (3 Years)
Monthly salary: Dh8,665
Candidates receive:
- GCAA certificate from Emirates Engineering Training College
- Higher Diploma from Emirates Aviation University
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
- Concessional tickets for family
- Medical coverage
- Emirates Platinum discount
Phase 2: Practical Maintenance Experience (2 Years)
Candidates work on live aircraft, qualifying for GCAA Basic AMEL upon completion.
| Year | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| 1st year PME | Dh21,659 |
| 2nd year PME | Dh22,659 |
| Upon completion | Dh23,697 |
Eligibility:
- UAE national aged 18-24
- Grade 12 with minimum 80% score
- National Service completed
- Medically fit
- Valid UAE passport and Khulasat Al Qaid
- English fluency (TOEFL PBT 510/IBT 6.5 or IELTS 6)
Selection Process:
- Math and Physics tests
- Panel interview
- Medical examination
How to Apply for Emirates Jobs
All applications go through the official Emirates Group careers portal at emiratesgroupcareers.com.
Application Steps:
- Create an account or log in
- Search for relevant positions
- Prepare required documents
- Submit your application online
- Await screening and assessment invitation
Emirates hosts recruitment events globally. The airline plans roadshows across 40+ cities for pilot recruitment in 2025. Learn more about Emirates recruitment drives.
Why Work for Emirates?
Dubai’s aviation sector projects 185,000 new jobs by 2030, with one in four Dubai jobs potentially linked to aviation.
Emirates offers distinct advantages:
Tax-free income: All salaries mentioned are completely tax-free under UAE law.
Accommodation: Company-provided housing with utilities included for pilots and cabin crew.
Travel benefits: Concessional tickets for employees and dependents across all cabin classes.
Career progression: Clear pathways from First Officer to Captain, or cabin crew to senior positions.
Training investment: Emirates spent $135 million on state-of-the-art training facilities with advanced simulators.
Global network: Exposure to international destinations and multicultural teams.
The UAE aviation sector continues growing with salary increases of up to 8% annually for skilled professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying job at Emirates currently?
Direct Entry Captain offers the highest compensation at up to Dh1.185 million annually. This includes Dh575,000 take-home cash, accommodation, education allowances, and extensive benefits.
Can I apply for Emirates cabin crew with no experience?
Emirates requires minimum one year of hospitality or customer service experience. Restaurant, hotel, or retail customer-facing roles qualify as relevant experience.
What height do you need to be for Emirates cabin crew?
You must be at least 160cm tall and able to reach 212cm while standing on tiptoes. This requirement relates to accessing emergency equipment on aircraft.
Does Emirates accept pilots with Frozen ATPL?
Yes. Pilots holding CPL with completed ATPL theory exams can apply for First Officer positions under specific Frozen ATPL terms and conditions.
Are Emirates salaries really tax-free?
Yes. The UAE does not levy personal income tax. All salary figures quoted represent take-home amounts without deductions for income tax.
How long is Emirates cabin crew training?
Training takes place at Emirates’ Dubai facility covering safety protocols, emergency procedures, customer service techniques, and cultural awareness. The programme prepares crew for diverse operational scenarios.
What documents do I need for an Emirates pilot application?
You need your CV, passport, ATPL with current type-rating, and Class 1 medical certificate without limitations (visual corrections accepted).
Does Emirates provide accommodation for employees?
Pilots receive company-provided accommodation with utilities. Cabin crew receive accommodation or housing allowance as part of their package.
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