Emirates Group Hires 9,700 Employees in UAE After Receiving 3.5 Million Applications

Emirates Group Expands Workforce Amid Global Hiring Demand

The Emirates Group hired nearly 9,700 employees during the 2025–26 financial year after receiving approximately 3.5 million job applications from candidates worldwide.

The recruitment expansion comes as Emirates airline and dnata continue scaling global operations, strengthening workforce capabilities, and investing in future aviation growth.

According to the company’s annual report, the Group’s overall workforce increased by 8% year-over-year, reaching 130,919 employees as of March 31, 2026.

New Hiring Technology Streamlines Recruitment

During the financial year, Emirates Group launched a new recruitment technology platform called Masar to modernize hiring and onboarding processes.

The platform reportedly helped recruitment teams:

• Process 3.5 million applications
• Shortlist approximately 390,000 candidates
• Successfully onboard over 9,700 employees in the UAE

The company says the system significantly improved hiring efficiency as global demand for aviation and operational talent continues rising.

Emirates Airline and dnata Continue Expansion

Emirates Airline added 5,515 employees during the year, increasing its workforce to nearly 75,000 staff members globally.

Meanwhile, dnata — the Group’s airport services, cargo, and catering division — expanded its workforce by 8%, reaching nearly 56,000 employees.

The recruitment drive reflects the aviation sector’s recovery and continued growth across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, which remains a major global aviation hub.

Emirates Plans Long-Term Recruitment Growth

Earlier this year, Emirates executives revealed the airline expects to recruit nearly 20,000 additional operational employees over the next five years.

Future hiring plans are expected to focus on:

• Cabin crew
• Pilots
• Aircraft engineers
• Technicians
• Airport operations staff
• Customer service roles

The company also highlighted the growth of its UAE national workforce, which has now surpassed 4,000 employees as part of local talent development initiatives.

Record Profits and Employee Bonuses

The hiring growth coincided with a record financial year for Emirates Group.

The company announced:

• Record airline profits of Dh22.8 billion before tax
• A 20-week salary bonus for employees
• Continued investments in employee housing and infrastructure

In January, Emirates also signed an agreement for a major residential project in Dubai Investments Park that will accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members in the future.

UAE Aviation Sector Continues Attracting Talent

The UAE aviation industry remains one of the strongest employment sectors in the region, attracting professionals globally with:

• Tax-free salaries
• International career opportunities
• Competitive benefits
• Fast-growing aviation infrastructure

Industry analysts believe recruitment momentum will continue as airlines expand fleets, routes, and passenger capacity across international markets.

Key Highlights

• Emirates Group received 3.5 million job applications
• Nearly 9,700 employees hired during 2025–26
• Workforce grew 8% to over 130,000 employees
• Emirates airline plans to recruit 20,000 staff in five years
• Employees received bonuses equal to 20 weeks’ salary
• UAE aviation sector continues strong hiring momentum