Employing 35 people daily over 4 years

The Emirates Group recorded remarkable growth in its employee base during the past four years, with the number of employees in the group increasing from 73,571 employees at the end of September 2021, to 124,927 employees at the end of September 2025, an increase of 51,356 employees.

According to data issued by the group, a copy of which was reviewed by Emirates Today, the employment rate increased by about 70% during this period, during which the aviation industry witnessed several fluctuations at the international level, which reflects the strength of its operational strategy and the expansion of its global presence in the aviation and logistics services sector.

The increase in employment was distributed in a sustainable manner, reflecting long-term strategic planning, as the group attracted on average about 12,800 new employees annually, which is more than 1,000 employees per month, and the equivalent of 35 employees daily on an ongoing basis, which indicates the size of the demand for specialized competencies to meet the expansion of the air fleet, the increase in international destinations, and the growth of “dnata” operations in ground services, freight and travel in multiple markets.

This rapid pace is also accompanied by extensive training and development programs to ensure the readiness of operational crews in the fields of aviation, hospitality, engineering, aircraft maintenance, airport management and air transport services.

The group said, in its annual report 2024-2025, that its employee base is from about 110 countries, and it is thus considered one of the largest employers in the UAE, as it offers the best social care initiatives, skills acquisition programs at the Center of Excellence for Training, and an integrated set of interactive programs throughout the year.

She explained that employee costs during the aforementioned fiscal year increased by 17%, reaching 19 billion dirhams, mainly due to the high levels of employment necessary to support business expansion.

The group stated in its report that recruitment activities intensified in response to increasing operational needs, which led to an increase in the total number of employees by 9%. Additional factors contributing to cost growth included: salary increases (including the impact of annual increases granted last year), promotions, enhanced bonuses, increased cabin crew and cockpit crew related spending, higher health coverage expenses, and various personnel related expenses. The group’s companies witnessed a 10% increase in employee expenses, reflecting the expansion of the team in conjunction with operational growth and enhanced compensation packages.

The group said that in the last fiscal year alone, the group received more than 3.7 million job applications for various brands and divisions, driven by the strength of its brand, its global position, its employee-centric strategy, its tax-free salaries, its superior benefits, and its distinguished training, development and recognition programs.

As for the benefits that the Group’s employees receive in Dubai, they include: eligibility for annual profits, medical insurance coverage, life insurance, and a set of travel benefits that include annual tickets and tickets linked to the length of service, and others at preferential prices for the employee, his family and friends, in addition to preferential prices on shipping services, and membership cards that provide discounts in hundreds of retail stores, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

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17.3 thousand targeted employees

Last July, the Emirates Group launched a global campaign to attract and employ talent, as part of a new phase of its growth journey. The group said that during the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2026, it aims to include 17,300 employees across 350 diverse jobs.

According to the group, these jobs cover various areas of work in both Emirates Airlines, the largest international air carrier in the world, and dnata, the global provider of aviation and travel services.

The group is looking for hundreds of candidates in some positions, such as: aircraft crew members, pilots, engineers, sales and marketing teams, customer service, ground handling and catering, information technology, human and financial resources. In turn, dnata seeks to include more than 4,000 specialists in shipping, catering and ground handling services.

. Staff costs during the fiscal year 2024-2025 increased by 17% to reach 19 billion dirhams.