According to data from the annual report published by the Emirates Group for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the company received 3.5 million job applications across its operations in the UAE, shortlisted 390,000 candidates, and hired 9,700 people.
The figures offer a clear look at the ultra competitive recruitment process at one of the world’s biggest aviation employers. While the total number of applications reached into the millions, only a tiny share of candidates moved through each stage of the hiring process.
Also Read: Emirates Group Employees to Receive 20-Week Bonus After Record Year This 2026
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Recruitment funnel in focus
The hiring data breaks down as follows:
- 3.5 million total applicants
- 390,000 shortlisted candidates
- 9,700 final hires
That means:
- about 11.1% of applicants were shortlisted
- about 2.5% of shortlisted candidates were hired
- about 0.28% of total applicants secured a job
Viewed another way, Emirates Group hired roughly 1 person for every 361 applications received.
A highly selective hiring process
The data suggests a strict screening process across multiple stages, from initial application review to shortlisting and final selection. For job seekers, that reflects both the strength of the Emirates brand and the high demand for aviation and support roles based in the UAE.
Competition at this level is not unusual for major global airline groups, but the scale of Emirates Group’s applicant pool stands out. Few employers in the sector attract millions of applications in a single fiscal year.
What the figures suggest about demand
The hiring funnel points to strong interest in Emirates Group careers across a wide range of departments. The group’s reputation, international profile, and presence in Dubai likely continue to make it a top target for candidates seeking work in aviation.
Key takeaways from the data include:
- interest in Emirates jobs remains exceptionally strong
- shortlisting alone was a major hurdle
- final hiring was extremely limited compared with total demand
- competition likely extended across operational, technical, and corporate roles
For aviation professionals, the figures also show the value of standing out in a crowded field. Qualifications, experience, presentation, and role fit would have played an important part in who progressed.
For the second year in a row, Emirates is the world’s most profitable airline in the 2025-26 reporting period.
— Emirates (@emirates) May 7, 2026
The airline has reported record-breaking financial results, despite a disruptive and challenging 12th month of its financial year, including:
🏆 Record profit before… pic.twitter.com/H8I62qwMYF
A clear picture of the job market
The Emirates Group annual report provides one of the clearest snapshots of hiring competition in the region’s aviation sector. Out of 3.5 million applicants, only 9,700 were hired.
For anyone aiming to join Emirates Group, the message from the latest fiscal year is simple: interest is massive, but the path to employment is narrow.
