The cabin crew recruits look intently at the scene unfolding before them, by a mock Boeing 787 aircraft door, as a colleague bellows, "Seat belts off, leave everything!"
"Come this way, jump and slide!" she repeats, urgently motioning imaginary passengers towards the door.
This is only one of the many practical sessions that cabin crew at Etihad Airways undertake at the airline's advanced training centre in Abu Dhabi during a six-week programme to prepare them for working on flights.
This group of young flight attendants are learning how to operate the doors of a Dreamliner in an emergency evacuation and under normal circumstances.
In an adjacent area, male and female pilots take turns to slide down a giant inflated evacuation device from a mock A320 aircraft as part of a refresher safety course.
The National took a tour of Etihad Airways' training centre as the airline expands its workforce to meet the rebound in travel demand.
The airline is hiring 1,000 staff, mainly cabin crew and pilots, in a process that began in October 2021, as it expands operations.
Capt Jihad Matta, head of crew recruitment, performance and support at Etihad Airways, said the airline was optimistic about the post-pandemic recovery.
"We were more optimistic in seeing a recovery and we wanted to make sure that we didn't lose any chances of the recovery coming and us not being ready," he told The National.
"So even though we started off small, every person we brought in meant that we could operate more flights."
The recovery was stronger than Etihad's initial forecasts.
The airline rehired hundreds of pilots that it had either furloughed or let go during the Covid-19 pandemic, Capt Matta said.
"The industry lost a lot of crew who said 'we don't want to do this any more'. They found other jobs or settled at home, so flying was not on their agenda any more."
After recruiting early and tapping into the pool of its experienced former pilots, the airline is adequately staffed to meet the surge in travel demand during the peak summer season, despite a global shortage in aviation workers.
Related: Etihad Airways 'well-staffed' for summer travel peak despite global labour crunch
Etihad's recruitment campaign for cabin crew will continue "until further notice", based on how the recovery progresses, Capt Matta added. It has to hire crew two to three months in advance of scheduled flights to complete their training.
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates who are interested in a full-time, entry level cabin crew position have to be at least 161 centimetres tall so they can reach emergency equipment on all aircraft types.
Applicants must be high school graduates, but holding a higher qualification is an added advantage.
They should be fluent in written and spoken English. Those who are multilingual will rank highly in the application process. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and clearly, especially in case of on-board emergencies.
Recruiters are also looking for the right personality and an energetic approach when screening applicants.
"For aviation, you want someone who is passionate about the job," Capt Matta said. "That's what we look at in the final interview: is this person passionate about the job? Are they there just to go from A to B or do they want to do something different?"
Applicants must meet Etihad's "style and image" guidelines on the uniform, make-up, hairstyle and fitness.
Maturity is essential as crew must also handle the responsibility of saving passengers' lives in case of a problem in the cabin or a medical emergency on board that requires quick reaction.
"We're looking for someone who can speak well, who is presentable, who is mature, who can take on these roles," Capt Matta said.
Finally, crew applicants should have the potential to rise through the ranks from the entry position of flight attendant in economy class to progress to other roles.
Etihad is now focused on promoting its existing cabin crew who worked during the pandemic.
"We're going through this period of growth where we have one of the highest numbers of the percentage of the population moving ranks this year, which is a huge morale boost for somebody who got close to that opportunity to upgrade but got stuck for two years of the pandemic in their position," Capt Matta said.
How does the recruitment process work?
In the coming weeks, Etihad will hold recruitment drives in Lebanon, Jordan, the UK, Italy, Germany, Turkey and Thailand.
Here's what to expect during the selection stages when applying for a cabin crew job at Etihad Airways:
Candidates must complete the application form on Etihad's website.
- First, complete the application form on Etihad's website
- The recruitment team reviews applications and shortlists candidates
- The airline holds assessment days in various countries where shortlisted applicants are invited to attend
- During the interviews, recruiters will test for English communication skills, hold group exercises, assess the applicant's style and image
- If picked for the last stage of the selection process, candidates will be invited for a final interview
- Candidates' paperwork is then sent to Abu Dhabi for final approval, kicking off the onboarding process which takes up to 35 days.
What type of benefits do cabin crew receive?
Benefits for pilots include a basic salary, medical and life insurance, housing allowance, schooling allowance ― if they have children ― relocation allowance and a hotel stay for the first month until they find permanent accommodation.
Once they start flying, they get an additional flying allowance for every hour they fly and a layover allowance to cover their meals and expenses while they are abroad.
Pilots and cabin crew get discounted tickets for themselves, family and friends. Successful cabin crew recruits will have free accommodation in Abu Dhabi, free transport to and from work, as well as concessional travel benefits.
Six-week training course: from safety to service
Once cabin crew are hired, they will undergo six weeks of training at the Etihad aviation training centre in Khalifa City.
There is also an induction team that takes care of the recruits when they arrive and settle in Abu Dhabi, introduces them to the city, guides them on the local culture and traditions and helps with housing.
The cabin crew's initial training covers a broad set of skills, from safety measures to meal service, first aid and firefighting — in case of an on-board emergency. Recruits will also learn how to react in case of an evacuation, such as opening aircraft doors, using emergency slides and life rafts.
At the academy, new recruits practise these skills in mock set-ups of wide and narrow-body cabins, in a pool equipped with rafts, giant inflated emergency slides and with replica aircraft doors with their instructors.
Pilots hone their skills in the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 flight simulators.
In a classroom at the training centre, cabin crew recruits respond to questions from their instructor Natalija Jagmasevic.
"You're joining one of the best cabin crews in the history of Etihad," Capt Matta tells the masked students. "We are all a family, we're here to guide you."
While one batch is huddled around Thales and Panasonic in-flight entertainment systems with their instructor, another fusses over coffee flasks during service training.
In another room, lined with mirrors and mannequins in Etihad uniforms, the recruits will learn the airline's "style and image" rules. As a precautionary measure during the pandemic, they must obtain their own make-up kits but are instructed on the colour palettes particular to the airline.
In a full day of training, they learn practical tips and standards on hairstyles and make-up.
Lipstick shades must be "pink, nude or purple", said Seloua Touli, style and image performance officer at Etihad.
The Italian-designed uniform is reminiscent of the classic 1950s look, she said.
Recruits can also get guidance on exercise and nutrition from a specialised dietitian at the airline's medical centre, she added.
"We're in a phase of growth, that means excitement like the buzz we have currently in the training academy," Capt Matta said.
"The ability to join an airline that is growing with the most sustainable aircraft is definitely a benefit. For the next few years, this growth will continue and it's just an exciting period to be back in."
UAE SQUAD
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
Forced%20Deportations
%3Cp%3EWhile%20the%20Lebanese%20government%20has%20deported%20a%20number%20of%20refugees%20back%20to%20Syria%20since%202011%2C%20the%20latest%20round%20is%20the%20first%20en-mass%20campaign%20of%20its%20kind%2C%20say%20the%20Access%20Center%20for%20Human%20Rights%2C%20a%20non-governmental%20organization%20which%20monitors%20the%20conditions%20of%20Syrian%20refugees%20in%20Lebanon.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%9CIn%20the%20past%2C%20the%20Lebanese%20General%20Security%20was%20responsible%20for%20the%20forced%20deportation%20operations%20of%20refugees%2C%20after%20forcing%20them%20to%20sign%20papers%20stating%20that%20they%20wished%20to%20return%20to%20Syria%20of%20their%20own%20free%20will.%20Now%2C%20the%20Lebanese%20army%2C%20specifically%20military%20intelligence%2C%20is%20responsible%20for%20the%20security%20operation%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Mohammad%20Hasan%2C%20head%20of%20ACHR.%3Cbr%3EIn%20just%20the%20first%20four%20months%20of%202023%20the%20number%20of%20forced%20deportations%20is%20nearly%20double%20that%20of%20the%20entirety%20of%202022.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ESince%20the%20beginning%20of%202023%2C%20ACHR%20has%20reported%20407%20forced%20deportations%20%E2%80%93%20200%20of%20which%20occurred%20in%20April%20alone.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20comparison%2C%20just%20154%20people%20were%20forcfully%20deported%20in%202022.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Violence%20
%3Cp%3EInstances%20of%20violence%20against%20Syrian%20refugees%20are%20not%20uncommon.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJust%20last%20month%2C%20security%20camera%20footage%20of%20men%20violently%20attacking%20and%20stabbing%20an%20employee%20at%20a%20mini-market%20went%20viral.%20The%20store%E2%80%99s%20employees%20had%20engaged%20in%20a%20verbal%20altercation%20with%20the%20men%20who%20had%20come%20to%20enforce%20an%20order%20to%20shutter%20shops%2C%20following%20the%20announcement%20of%20a%20municipal%20curfew%20for%20Syrian%20refugees.%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CThey%20thought%20they%20were%20Syrian%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20the%20mayor%20of%20the%20Nahr%20el%20Bared%20municipality%2C%20Charbel%20Bou%20Raad%2C%20of%20the%20attackers.%3Cbr%3EIt%20later%20emerged%20the%20beaten%20employees%20were%20Lebanese.%20But%20the%20video%20was%20an%20exemplary%20instance%20of%20violence%20at%20a%20time%20when%20anti-Syrian%20rhetoric%20is%20particularly%20heated%20as%20Lebanese%20politicians%20call%20for%20the%20return%20of%20Syrian%20refugees%20to%20Syria.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
if you go
The flights
Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes.
The hotels
The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).
England v South Africa Test series:
First Test: at Lord's, England won by 211 runs
Second Test: at Trent Bridge, South Africa won by 340 runs
Third Test: at The Oval, July 27-31
Fourth Test: at Old Trafford, August 4-8
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
Sour%20Grapes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZakaria%20Tamer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESyracuse%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E176%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Africa Institute 101
Housed on the same site as the original Africa Hall, which first hosted an Arab-African Symposium in 1976, the newly renovated building will be home to a think tank and postgraduate studies hub (it will offer master’s and PhD programmes). The centre will focus on both the historical and contemporary links between Africa and the Gulf, and will serve as a meeting place for conferences, symposia, lectures, film screenings, plays, musical performances and more. In fact, today it is hosting a symposium – 5-plus-1: Rethinking Abstraction that will look at the six decades of Frank Bowling’s career, as well as those of his contemporaries that invested social, cultural and personal meaning into abstraction.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
%3Cp%3E1.%20Bhiwadi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ghaziabad%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Hotan%2C%20China%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Delhi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Jaunpur%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Faisalabad%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20Noida%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Bahawalpur%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Peshawar%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Bagpat%2C%20India%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20IQAir%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
more from Janine di Giovanni
MATCH INFO:
Second Test
Pakistan v Australia, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am daily at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Entrance is free
The biog
Name: Marie Byrne
Nationality: Irish
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston
Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars