Dubai’s Emirates cabin crew: Secrets of the uniform revealed

The airline’s cabin crew combine in-flight hospitality with class, and professionalism, and are known for their striking red and beige uniforms. The uniform has been in use since 2009, after first being introduced in the early 2000s.

In addition, the crew are also well-versed in safety protocols, international etiquette, and cultural sensitivities.

Each female cabin crew member is supplied with five shirts, two blazer jackets, four skirts, three waist coats, one hand bag, one winter coat, one pair of oven gloves, one pair of high heels, one pair of medium heels, one belt, two crew pyjamas, one cardigan, and two scarves, along with the signature Emirates hat.

In addition, each element of their uniform has a distinct meaning behind it, as revealed by TikTok user and UK-born Emirates cabin crew Danielle (@danidboyy1).

So far, Emirates has manufactured over 1,627,000 metres of fabric, 153,000 kilometres of thread, and 1,815,000 buttons for its 20,000 serving and former cabin crew.

The uniform’s beige hue pays homage to the country’s iconic golden sands, whereas the cream-colored Emirates scarf, folded with seven pleats, is a tribute to the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE.

With a current and past workforce of over 20,000, these uniforms not only signify a sense of unity and identity but also stand as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every detail of Emirates’ exceptional service.

Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne also played a key role in contributing to the design of the uniform in 1997.

The uniform has been changed four times over the past three decades, as well, with the airline’s two longest service cabin crew members wearing these uniform variations the most.

The two members include male Emirati purser who joined in 1987, and the longest serving female cabin crew, who joined the airline in 1994, the airline said in a statement.

Job requirements to become an Emirates cabin crew:

According to the airline careers page for cabin crew, these are the following requirements:

• Fluent in written and spoken English (additional languages are an advantage)
• A natural team player with a personality that shines
• At least 160cm tall and able to reach 212cm high
• Able to meet the UAE’s employment visa requirements
• At least 1 year of hospitality or customer service experience
• A minimum of high school (Grade 12) education
• No visible tattoos while in Emirates cabin crew uniform

Cabin crew members will be promoted to a higher cabin, becoming a cabin supervisor, trainer or purser.

Benefits of working as an Emirates cabin crew include tax-free salary, profit sharing, health coverage, travel concessions, and deeply discounted tickets for companions.

“All new cabin crew undergo an intense 8 weeks of training in the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service delivery in Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. Not to mention the invaluable transferable life skills gained by working with a diverse crew community while experiencing new destinations and cultures across the Emirates network,” the statement added.

Emirates cabin crew starting salary, flying pay

The pay is made up of three components: a fixed basic salary, an hourly pay for operated flights and an overseas meal allowance.

• Basic salary: AED4,650 per month
• Flying Pay: AED63.75 per hour based on average 80-100 hours per month
• Average Total Pay: AED10,388 per month ($2,828)

These are approximate numbers for Grade II (Economy Class)

“Meal allowances for night stops are credited to the salary in arrears the following month. Hotel accommodation as well as transport to and from the airport is provided by the company,” the Emirates website reads.

Cabin Crew have a monthly roster and have approximately eight days off per month in Dubai, however, all employees are on probation for the first six months of their service.

“They are, therefore, eligible for leave after the probation period. We fly to over 120 destinations and you could be rostered to your home country, based on operational requirements,” Emirates said.

Before becoming a part of the Emirates cabin crew, applicants will need to fill out a self-declaration medical form.

In case more details are necessary, a consultation with their physician might be necessary.

Additionally, a trip to the dentist is mandatory to fulfill the dental form. All expenses related to medical prerequisites will have be borne by the applicant.

After becoming a part of our organisation, The Emirates Group will conduct further medical assessments. These assessments are essential for obtaining a residence visa and adhering to the GCAA guidelines.