Emirates Launches World-Class Centre for Cabin Crew Training in Dubai
Emirates has unveiled a new Centre of Hospitality Excellence in Dubai, designed to deliver world-class training for nearly 25,000 cabin crew. The USD 8 million facility aims to elevate the airline’s service standards through immersive hospitality education focused on fine dining, guest engagement, and premium service finesse.
The Centre, which includes an elegant restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, eight advanced classrooms, and a fully equipped presentation kitchen, will train over 10,000 crew members by the end of 2025.
Modelled on Michelin-star standards, the training programme is part of Emirates’ collaboration with the prestigious Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, which began in 2020. The partnership has helped refine Emirates’ four pillars of hospitality — excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion.
Thomas Ney, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Service Delivery, said:
“We have invested in the highest levels of luxury hospitality training to help our cabin crew connect with customers and create unforgettable signature moments. This facility enables them to experience the cuisine, ambiance and service Emirates is celebrated for — empowering world-class cabin crew.”
Among the highlights of the new Centre is an immersive fine dining experience, allowing cabin crew to dine as guests and enjoy a gourmet four-course meal curated by Emirates’ master chefs. This experience showcases Emirates’ renowned “7-star” hospitality, setting the benchmark for service excellence.
Additionally, bespoke culinary sessions are conducted in a purpose-built training kitchen, where crew learn plating artistry and food presentation techniques from expert chef trainers. Complementing this, The Art of Service course emphasises emotional intelligence, communication, and the subtle art of personal engagement with passengers.
The facility also houses L’art du Vin, Emirates’ wine appreciation and training programme, offering courses tailored to different cabin classes and levels of wine knowledge. Led by sommeliers, the sessions train crew to master food and wine pairings, further enriching the passenger dining experience.
The Centre of Hospitality Excellence adds to Emirates’ growing suite of state-of-the-art training facilities, including the new Crew Zone at Emirates Group Headquarters — a 24/7 hub offering wellbeing, technology, and learning resources for crew members.
Recruited from over 140 countries and fluent in more than 70 languages, Emirates’ 25,000-strong cabin crew are known for their exceptional service and professionalism. The airline continues to recruit globally, with details available at www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew.
