UAE

A Closer Look: flying high with Emirates cabin crew recruits

We take a look at what it takes to work for one of the world's best airlines

Sarah Forster
Sarah Forster

October 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

As one of the world's best-known airlines, Emirates needs to provide a high standard of service to stay on top.

With a fleet of 220 aircraft currently in active service, it needs 16,000 highly trained cabin crew to keep things running smoothly.

However, this elite team of emergency-sliding, fire-extinguishing medical responders do not just turn up to the recruitment drive with these skills.

It takes months of training, practice, exams and recurring checks to ensure they keep their jobs in the sky.

Sarah Forster spent the day at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College to find out more, then spoke to host Rory Reynolds about the experience.

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  • An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
    An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
  • Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
    Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
  • Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
    Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
  • Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
    Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
  • Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
    Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
  • Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
    Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
  • A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
    A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
  • Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
    Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
  • Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
    Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
  • This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
    This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
  • Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
    Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
  • Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
    Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
  • Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
    Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
  • At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
    At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
Biography

Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine

Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Favourite drink: Water

Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work

Favourite music: Classical music

Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate

 

 

 

 

 

Indika
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OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

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UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')

Fulham 0

Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

About%20My%20Father
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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

25-MAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi 
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze 

On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor

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The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

While you're here
Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Recipes to try
Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:26 AM
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