Dubai, July 23 - In a bold move to support its ambitious expansion plans, Emirates Group, the parent company of Emirates airline and its ground-handling unit dnata, has announced a massive recruitment drive to onboard 17,300 new employees in the financial year 2026, spanning April 2025 to March 2026. This global talent acquisition initiative, one of the largest in the aviation industry this year, aims to fill 350 diverse roles across the organization, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub and aligning with the city’s Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to drive economic growth through tourism and foreign investment. The recruitment effort underscores Emirates Group’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as the world’s largest international airline and a leader in operational excellence, while preparing for future growth in an increasingly competitive industry.
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The roles available cover a wide spectrum of functions, reflecting the complexity and scale of Emirates Group’s operations. Emirates airline is seeking candidates for positions such as cabin crew, pilots, and engineers, essential for maintaining its high standards of in-flight service and operational safety. Additionally, the airline is looking to bolster its commercial and sales teams, customer service staff, and support functions in IT, human resources, and finance. Meanwhile, dnata, a global leader in air and travel services, plans to hire over 4,000 specialists in cargo, catering, and ground handling to support its expanding operations at Dubai International Airport and beyond. This recruitment drive follows a strong growth trajectory for Emirates Group, which has already onboarded over 41,000 professionals since 2022, bringing its current workforce to 121,000 employees. Last financial year alone, the company received 3.7 million applications, highlighting its status as an employer of choice in the UAE and globally.
To attract top talent, Emirates Group is leveraging its strong brand reputation and comprehensive employee benefits. Based in Dubai, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its safety and economic opportunities, the company offers tax-free salaries, profit-sharing eligibility, medical and life insurance, and travel perks, including discounted flight tickets for employees and their families. Additionally, Dubai-based staff receive accommodations, transportation, and access to the Emirates Platinum Card, which provides discounts at over 600 retail, hospitality, and lifestyle outlets. To facilitate this recruitment, Emirates Group will host over 2,100 open days and talent events across 150 cities worldwide, targeting skilled professionals and UAE national students and graduates. These events will allow candidates to engage with experienced recruiters and long-serving staff, offering insights into the company’s culture and career opportunities.
This hiring spree comes at a time when Emirates Group is capitalizing on Dubai’s growing appeal as a global tourism and business destination, with 8.68 million overnight visitors recorded from January to May 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. The recruitment drive also reflects the company’s response to rising operational demands, with employee costs rising 17% to AED 19 billion for Emirates and 12% to AED 7.9 billion for dnata in 2024-25. By investing in talent, Emirates Group aims to redefine aviation standards and sustain its competitive edge in the global market. Interested candidates can explore opportunities and apply through the Emirates Group Careers website, ensuring they become part of a dynamic organization shaping the future of aviation.