How much does a flight attendant earn in Dubai? Working for Emirates

Career path of a flight attendant: work and life of cabin crew in Dubai

The life and work of cabin crew in Dubai involve a busy schedule and flexibility in adapting to different time zones. How many hours per month does cabin crew work at Emirates? It all depends on the flight schedule, season and routes, but on average it is around 80-100 hours in the air, plus time for flight preparation, rest and post-flight duties.

Working as a flight attendant in the UAE requires high mental resilience, excellent customer service skills and fluent English. Emirates flight attendants must be able to handle emergency situations, maintain a high level of safety and professionalism, while ensuring the comfort of passengers. In return for the demanding lifestyle, the life and work of cabin crew in Dubai offer valuable international experience, access to professional training and the opportunity to travel around the world and learn about different cultures. In addition, Emirates provides benefits and perks for flight attendants in Dubai, such as accommodation, meals and flight tickets, which makes life in a new city much easier and makes this job more attractive to people from all over the world.

If you are wondering, ‘How do I get from the airport to the centre of Dubai?’, our guide provides detailed information on the available means of transport, travel times and tips on how to get to the city centre quickly and comfortably.

Benefits and perks of working as a flight attendant in Dubai

The basic salary is supplemented by numerous benefits and perks for flight attendants in Dubai. These include:

• Accommodation – free housing for crew members.
• Per diems and meals during stays at foreign airports.
• Airline tickets for employees and their families.
• Health and social insurance.

These factors make many people wonder whether it is worth becoming a flight attendant with Emirates, considering the financial stability and travel opportunities.
 

Emirates Airlines salary and working conditions

What is the recruitment process for flight attendants at Emirates? Recruitment for Emirates Airlines is known for its high standards and multi-stage selection process, as the airline is looking for people who will be able to cope with working in an international environment. Candidates must prepare for a multi-stage process:

1. Online application and CV selection – the first step is to submit an application on the Emirates website, where documents, photos and professional experience are evaluated.
2. Assessment Day – selected candidates are invited to a recruitment day, which includes group tasks, English tests, interpersonal exercises and simulations of situations on board an aircraft.
3. Interview with an Emirates representative – candidates answer questions about passenger service, dealing with stressful situations and their motivation to work in aviation.
4. Medical examination and document verification – physical condition, health and completeness of the required formalities are checked.
5. Initial Training – approximately 7–8 weeks of intensive training in Dubai, covering safety procedures, first aid, passenger service and etiquette for working in premium airlines.

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Only after completing this training does the candidate officially become a member of the Emirates cabin crew. To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• be at least 21 years of age,
• have a secondary school education (minimum),
• have a very good command of spoken and written English,
• be able to work in an international and multicultural environment,
• be in good physical condition and health,
• have an appropriate appearance and presentation (including no visible tattoos when in uniform).

Personality is also important in the assessment process – working as a flight attendant in Dubai requires openness, empathy, the ability to cope with difficult situations and high stress resistance. 

Emirates flight attendant earnings in economy class in 2025

Emirates flight attendant salaries in 2025 are competitive compared to other airlines around the world. The basic salary for Emirates cabin crew is around 4,000 AED per month, with the main part of the remuneration consisting of allowances and bonuses related to time spent in the air. Average monthly earnings start at 11,000-15,000 AED and can increase to as much as 20,000 AED with experience and flight hours.

Many factors influence the salary of an Emirates flight attendant: the number of long-haul flights, destinations and seniority. Additional benefits are a real bonus, increasing the overall value of the financial package. Flight attendants receive:

• free accommodation in apartments provided by the airline,
• free transport to work and to the airport,
• allowances paid in the local currency of each country they fly to,
• annual airline tickets for themselves and travel discounts for their families,
• health insurance and medical support in Dubai.

As a result, the total earnings of cabin crew are significantly higher than the basic salary alone. In practice, this means that working for Emirates not only provides an attractive income, but also a range of benefits that reduce the cost of living in Dubai.

Comparison of salaries at different airlines

How much do flight attendants earn in the Middle East with other airlines? Average salaries at Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways start at around AED 8,000-12,000 per month, approaching the level of Emirates, but are often less attractive in terms of additional benefits. Emirates stands out not only for its high salaries, which can reach AED 15,000-20,000, but also for its extensive benefits package, such as free accommodation, transport and allowances in the local currency of each country.

Etihad and Qatar Airways sometimes provide accommodation, but the standard of the flats and their location vary depending on the airline. Emirates is famous for offering comprehensive support, from health insurance and airline tickets for employees and their families to attractive travel discounts.

Salaries of flight attendants in low-cost airlines

The salary of a flight attendant depends on the airline, length of service and knowledge of additional languages. At Emirates, one of the most prestigious airlines, the basic salary of a flight attendant is approximately 4,835 dirhams. The monthly salary, including allowances for hours flown, ranges from 3000 USD to 3 400 USD. In low-cost airlines such as Enter Air, Wizz Air, Air France and the Polish LOT, rates vary and are usually lower than at Emirates, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. The daily salary at these airlines is slightly different and often depends on the number of international flights operated and experience. As a result, in the aviation industry, people with experience and good language skills can expect higher earnings in a given month, and cabin crew have the opportunity to enjoy additional benefits such as allowances and bonuses for in-flight sales. Comparing the earnings of flight attendants at different airlines and in different countries can certainly help you decide which job to choose.

Many airlines offer bonuses for night flights, which can increase a flight attendant's monthly salary. Night flights often require greater flexibility and stamina, which is why airlines pay higher hourly rates or salary bonuses for them.
 

Promotion to cabin manager

Promotion to cabin manager is possible after several years of experience and meeting certain requirements.

A senior flight attendant or steward who has gained relevant experience in cabin crew work can successfully take on this role. In this role, the cabin manager is responsible for coordinating the work of the cabin crew, ensuring that safety procedures are followed, and supervising in-flight sales. Importantly, their salary is higher than that of a regular flight attendant and can range from 20 180 USD to 27 000 USD per month. Promotion to the position of head flight attendant requires not only additional training and certificates, but also experience in personnel management and effective passenger service skills.

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Working as a flight attendant in Dubai – reviews

Reviews show that this profession involves a lot of responsibility and a demanding lifestyle, but at the same time offers great opportunities for development. Crew members emphasise that the intense schedule and frequent time zone changes require good organisation and mental resilience. In return, however, they receive stable employment, attractive salaries and access to benefits that make everyday life much easier.

One of the most appreciated aspects is the free accommodation provided by Emirates. The flats are fully furnished, located in modern districts of Dubai and well connected to the airport. In addition, the crew enjoys free transport to work and a health insurance package.

In their free time, flight attendants praise the access to modern urban infrastructure. Many of them emphasise that Dubai is a place where it is easy to combine professional and private life. And if they want to take a break from their intense work, it is worth checking out the most interesting attractions in Dubai.

Summary

How much does a flight attendant earn per month at Emirates? On average, 11,000-15,000 AED, and with bonuses, the total income is significantly higher. Does Emirates pay more than other airlines? Yes, which, combined with benefits and travel opportunities, makes the offer attractive to candidates.

In your free time, it is worth exploring the local attractions of Dubai and checking out accommodation in Dubai. For more information about living and working in Dubai, visit TwoContinents, where we have prepared guides for people planning to move or work in the UAE.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• Is working as a flight attendant in Dubai hard?

  Yes, it requires a lot of physical and mental stamina and the ability to serve passengers in a variety of conditions.

• How many hours per month does cabin crew work at Emirates?

  On average, 80-100 hours in the air, plus preparation and rest time.

• Does Emirates offer free accommodation and transport for crew members?

  Yes, crew members receive free accommodation and company transport.

• What benefits do flight attendants in Dubai receive (accommodation, allowances, tickets)?

  Flight attendants have free accommodation, allowances during international flights and airline tickets for themselves and their families.