By Geoff Percival,Stephen Aherne
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Emirates has announced its 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)
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.
