Your Career Could Take Off: Emirates Cabin Crew Open Days in Dublin & Cork

Emirates returns to Ireland this Autumn to recruit new cabin crew members, with Open Days scheduled in Dublin and Cork. The events give prospective applicants a direct route to a career that blends travel, service, and global adventure.

• Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at 9:00am – Hilton Dublin, Charlemont Place, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2 (D02 A893)
• Tuesday, 28 October 2025 at 9:00am – Cork International Hotel, Lehenagh More, Co. Cork (T12 H516)

From Seoul to Sydney – Sarah’s Adventures

For Sarah Finlay, who has been flying with Emirates for more than a decade, no two weeks are ever the same. Her roster has taken her everywhere from Seoul and Sri Lanka to Sydney and Singapore.

“Every flight feels like a new story,” she says. “One day you’re serving breakfast as the sun rises over Africa, the next you’re helping a family on their first trip abroad. That mix of familiarity and surprise is what keeps the role so exciting.”

Layovers are often a highlight. “In Seoul I joined a cooking class with colleagues, and in Cape Town we hiked Table Mountain. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them properly. You get to live those destinations, not just pass through.”

When she’s back in Dubai, downtime can be just as rewarding. “Days off might mean a quiet morning at the beach or something adventurous like dune bashing or zip-lining. Dubai has such a buzz, it feels less like a workplace and more like a lifestyle and that’s one of the reasons I joined Emirates in the first place, knowing I’d have the chance not just to work here, but to truly experience living in such a dynamic city.”

From Economy to First Class

Sarah now works in Emirates’ luxury First Class cabin. “From the beginning, I aimed to progress into First Class, and the support and training at Emirates made that possible,” she reflects. “You’re part of a team delivering the highest standards of service, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. The role has pushed me professionally, helping me develop skills I never imagined, and it’s one of the reasons I joined Emirates knowing I could build a rewarding career in such a dynamic and customer-focused environment.”

Flying the Dublin–Dubai route remains particularly special. “There’s nothing like hearing familiar accents on board. Sometimes I even meet neighbours from back home, it makes the world feel smaller.”

Tips for Applicants

Sarah, who hails from Tallaght in County Dublin, encourages anyone interested to attend the upcoming Open Days in Dublin or Cork.

“The team aren’t looking for perfection they’re looking for people who are curious, approachable, and hardworking,” she explains. “Think of it less as an interview and more as a chance to show your personality. Ten years on, I still get a thrill putting on the uniform, and that’s because it’s a career that never stands still.”

Training & Career Path

Successful recruits will relocate to Dubai and complete eight weeks of intensive training at Emirates’ world-class academy, covering hospitality, safety, and emergency procedures. From there, career pathways open up across all cabin classes, with opportunities to progress to senior purser and leadership roles.

Emirates currently operates two daily flights from Dublin to Dubai on its Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying up to 720 passengers a day. From 26 October 2025, this will increase to three daily services, giving customers a choice of morning, afternoon, and evening departures.

The Benefits of Flying with Emirates

Life as an Emirates cabin crew member comes with a package designed to support both career and lifestyle. Benefits include:

• Furnished accommodation in Dubai, with utilities included.
• A competitive, tax-free salary and comprehensive health cover.
• 30 days of annual leave and a free return ticket home each year.
• Greatly discounted travel for family and friends.
• A workplace that brings together colleagues from more than 148 nationalities.

These advantages, alongside the opportunity to explore destinations worldwide, make Emirates cabin crew careers both personally and professionally rewarding.

A Fresh Fleet Experience

Emirates is investing billions in retrofitting its Boeing 777 fleet with new interiors, next-generation seating in Business and Economy, and refreshed First Class suites. Dublin passengers are already enjoying these upgrades, with the retrofitted Boeing 777 serving the route.

For Sarah, who works in First Class, the improvements are a source of pride. “Welcoming customers into the new suites is always special,” she says. “They’re beautifully designed, private and spacious, and the reactions from passengers are amazing. I also love seeing a little taste of Ireland on board, from Voya toiletries to Keogh’s crisps and Killoween yoghurts it’s a lovely way to share a piece of home with travellers from all over the world.”

A Career Like No Other

Reflecting on her career, Sarah says: “Joining Emirates changed my life. I’ve seen the world in ways I never thought possible, and met people who feel like family. It’s the friendships, the experiences, and the pride in representing Emirates that keep me motivated after all these years. It’s not just a job, it’s a journey.”