angel@khaleejtimes.com Filed on September 26, 2019 | Last updated on September 26, 2019 at 06.06 am

Candidates will undergo a stringent recruitment and training process.

Emirates is on an aggressive drive to hire more UAE nationals to boost its workforce, including filling up thousands of cabin crew positions with an attractive salary package starting at Dh18,000 a month for Emiratis.

The Dubai-based airline is looking to recruit at least 3,000 cabin crew globally. "The position is open to all nationalities but we are looking to hire as many Emiratis as possible for this position," Abdulaziz Al Ali, executive vice-president of human resources at Emirates Group, told reporters at a media round table on Wednesday.

There are also 120 job openings for ground staff in Dubai but these are reserved only for Emiratis, he added.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announcement on Monday of the approved Emiratisation plan in Dubai, aimed at addressing the labour market needs of Emiratis.

"Providing a decent life to every citizen is our top priority," the Crown Prince of Dubai said.

Al Ali noted that out of the current 20,000 cabin crew at Emirates, only around 50 are UAE citizens. But he said that an attractive salary and special benefits would certainly draw more Emiratis into their workforce.

"We have an open door policy and we are hiring as many Emiratis we can," said Ali, explaining that a successful Emirati candidate for the cabin crew position will get a salary package starting at Dh18,000 a month (Dh14,000 if the staff will live in the company accommodation). On top of the basic salary, there is also a monthly retention allowance between Dh4,000-5,000 plus per diem allowance, free transportation and other benefits. Aside from the attractive salary packages, Emirates has also introduced flexible uniform policy, including allowing trousers and hijabs for female air hostesses.

Al Ali, however, told Khaleej Times that Emirati candidates will not have special treatment but will also undergo a stringent recruitment and training process.

The screening process for Emirati cabin crew staff will take at least two weeks, followed by intensive training period for seven weeks before they can commence their flying duties.

Al Ali said that they want to debunk the perception the Emiratis dislike low-ranking grades.

"The job of a cabin crew is not a lowly job but it actually provides an opportunity for young Emiratis to act as ambassadors of the distinct Emirati culture abroad," noted Al Ali, adding: "Candidates will be trained in various fields, including first aid, customer service and other social skills. Flight attendants are also responsible to ensure safety of all people onboard."

Al Ali said that the important traits they are looking at a candidate are good behavior, pleasant social skills and nice customer service that will reflect the Emirates brand.

The airline has also drawn up plans to hold promotional events at schools in the Northern Emirates to recruit fresh high school graduates who will work in various jobs while studying in a university.

Emirates will also conduct career development programmes to develop more Emiratis who will take senior positions in the engineering, ground services, cabin crew, outstation management teams.

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Emiratis can apply online