Dubai, UAE – The Emirates Group has reported a significant expansion in its workforce, reflecting its robust operational strategy and global growth in aviation and logistics. Between September 2021 and September 2025, the group increased its employee base by 51,356, reaching a total of 124,927 employees—a 70% growth over four years.
This impressive growth coincides with the Emirates Group’s record-breaking financial performance. For the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, the group posted a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion), a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Emirates airline alone contributed AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion) in profit before tax, driven by strong travel demand and customer preference for premium services. Group revenue also rose by 4% to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), showcasing the resilience of its business model. These achievements underline the group’s ability to balance workforce expansion with sustained profitability, further solidifying its position as a global leader in aviation and logistics.
To support this, Emirates Group has implemented comprehensive training programs across aviation, hospitality, and engineering, ensuring employees are equipped to maintain the highest standards of service.
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Strategic Workforce Expansion
With employees from over 110 countries, the group offers competitive benefits, including tax-free salaries, medical insurance, and travel perks, making it a top employer in the UAE. Looking ahead, the group plans to hire 17,300 more employees by March 2026, further solidifying its position as a leader in workforce development and operational excellence.
- The group hired an average of 12,800 employees annually, equating to 35 new hires daily.
- This growth aligns with the expansion of its fleet, international destinations, and dnata’s operations in ground handling, cargo, and travel services.
Investment in Talent Development
To support its rapid growth, Emirates Group has implemented intensive training programs across aviation, hospitality, engineering, and airport management. These initiatives ensure operational readiness and maintain high service standards.
- Employees hail from over 110 countries, making Emirates Group one of the largest employers in the UAE.
- The group offers competitive benefits, including tax-free salaries, annual profit-sharing, medical insurance, and travel perks for employees and their families.
- Employee costs rose by 17% in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, reaching AED 19 billion.
- This increase reflects higher recruitment levels, salary adjustments, and enhanced benefits packages.
Global Recruitment Campaign
In July 2025, Emirates Group launched a global recruitment drive to fill 17,300 positions across 350 roles by March 2026. Key roles include:
- Cabin crew and pilots
- Engineers and IT specialists
- Sales, marketing, and customer service teams
- Ground handling and catering staff
Dnata, a subsidiary of Emirates Group, aims to hire over 4,000 specialists in cargo, catering, and ground handling.
A Magnet for Talent
The group’s strong employer brand, tax-free salaries and bonuses, and world-class training programs attracted over 3.7 million job applications last year alone.
Emirates Group’s commitment to employee welfare and professional development continues to set it apart as a leading employer in the aviation industry.