Emirates has unveiled a new world-class hospitality training facility in Dubai — the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence — designed to elevate in-flight service standards and train nearly 25,000 cabin crew in the art of luxury hospitality.
The USD 8 million facility includes a fully equipped restaurant and lounge for 170 guests, eight high-tech classrooms, and a state-of-the-art presentation kitchen. By the end of 2025, over 10,000 Emirates cabin crew will have completed specialized training at the centre.
A New Era of In-Flight Hospitality
Modelled on Michelin-star service standards, the centre focuses on fine dining etiquette, premium guest engagement, and table service finesse. The initiative stems from Emirates’ collaboration with Switzerland’s prestigious Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, launched in 2020 to develop a new hospitality strategy built around four key pillars: excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion.
“We have invested in the highest levels of luxury hospitality training for our cabin crew,” said Thomas Ney, Emirates’ DSVP of Service Delivery. “This immersive programme allows them to personally experience the cuisine, ambiance, and service that define Emirates — ensuring every guest encounter is memorable.”
Immersive Fine Dining and Wine Training
One highlight of the new training programme is an immersive fine dining experience, where cabin crew dine as guests to experience a four-course gourmet lunch curated by Emirates’ master chefs. The menu includes signature First and Business Class dishes, allowing crew to experience Emirates’ “7-star hospitality” firsthand.
A purpose-built training kitchen, designed as a hybrid between a professional restaurant kitchen and an aircraft galley, enables crew to master plating techniques under the guidance of expert chef trainers — blending artistry, balance, and presentation.
The centre also houses L’art du Vin, Emirates’ dedicated wine training programme, where sommeliers and expert trainers lead tasting sessions. The course is offered at three levels — Introduction, Business Class, and First Class — helping cabin crew understand wine heritage, tasting notes, and perfect food pairings from Emirates’ award-winning onboard selection.
The Art of Service
The facility’s Art of Service course goes beyond technique, exploring the emotional intelligence behind exceptional hospitality. It teaches cabin crew to anticipate passenger needs, listen with empathy, and create meaningful, personalized interactions — qualities that have helped Emirates define the “Fly Better” experience.
Building the World’s Best Cabin Crew
The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence joins the airline’s suite of next-generation training facilities. Earlier this year, Emirates opened its new Crew Zone at Dubai headquarters — a 24/7 space offering workshops, wellness hubs, tech zones, and relaxation lounges.
Emirates currently employs nearly 25,000 cabin crew from over 140 countries, speaking more than 70 languages. All undergo an intensive eight-week initial training course covering safety, medical, security, and hospitality modules at the Emirates Crew Training Centre, which includes full-motion aircraft simulators.
The new hospitality centre ensures that Emirates cabin crew — renowned for their service and professionalism — continue to lead global standards for luxury and customer care.
Aspiring candidates can apply at emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew to join one of the world’s most admired cabin crew teams.
