Dubai's Top 5 Hidden Attractions

Below I have listed a few must-see attractions in Dubai that you may not typically see on the listings. 

If you do get the chance whilst your out here I'd highly recommend visiting the following: 

1. Mercato Mall - Dubai 

Dubai is world-renowned for its exceptional shopping and leisure facilities, but the Mercato Mall would have to be my personal favourite. 

Found at Jumeirah 1 near the beachfront, the mall is instantly recognizable from the outside by it's lavish Venetian-style exterior. This theme is continued on an even more impressive scale on the inside as well. 

The Mercato is not as large as some of its competitors, but it offers a fantastic selection of shops including British favourites Jack Wills, and Topshop as well as Bershka, Pull & Bear and many other high street outlets. 

You will also find fantastic dining facilities here. My choice of which is 'Taste Kitchen,' a Covent-Garden style cafe offering exceptional quality food at affordable prices. 

2. Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) 

If you're heading for the beach whilst you visit this is a great one to pick. Situated just off the marina, JBR has space and amenities aplenty. 

Whether you want to relax, play beach volleyball, try jet skiing, or even participate in a water-based assault course it's all here for you. As are a selection of outdoor gyms!

JBR is a particularly attractive choice for young professionals. 

There are lots of bars along the beachfront. Try Barasti and Blue Marlin if you want a lively day-time atmopshere too! 

3. Green Community 

Situated within Dubai Investment Park, the Green Community is a popular choice of residence for ex-pats, and it's easy to see why. 

It boasts an impressive fusion of Arabic/Moorish inspired architecture with a landscape which would not be out of place in the Med! 

You can walk through the lush parks & gardens and enjoy the sight of wild parrots in the trees. 

Furthermore, there is a small but attractive promenade of shops and restaurants on the plaza where residents and guests gather to drink coffee or smoke shisha if they choose. 

4. Mushrif Park 

A particularly popular location for locals, there is plenty to see and do at Mushrif Park. A great choice for families, Mushrif Park offers an 'animal barn' where a popular attraction is the camels.

A series of impressive botanical gardens are also on display, and guests can enjoy the surroundings whilst having a picnic in the designated areas. 

Those who enjoy horse-riding can also find excellent equestrian facilities here. 

5. Hatta 

Whilst Hatta lies within Dubai Emirate, it is a couple of hours away from the city so you will need to take a guided tour or rent a vehicle to go, however it is worth the trek!

You will be able to take in the astounding Hajar mountains that lie beyond Dubai itself, and if you're lucky you may be able to take a dip within the rock pools depending on the climate! 

A stop off at Hatta Heritage Village is a great way to end a tour. 

The concept of 'Maamsir' and other far-eastern nuances!

Ma'amsir! Ma'amsir! 

What was that noise? I turned around to see an enthusiastic, far-eastern gentleman shouting in what appeared to be my direction. 

I turned around once more to check. I was the only person in the immediate vicinity - this was a quiet weekday in the Ibn Battuta Mall. 

Ma'amsir!! - Ice cream Ma'amsir?!? 

I turned around again. The aforementioned enthusiastic gentleman was waving frantically. In his right hand he held an empty ice cream cone which he was now hurriedly waving about like his life depended upon it!

Ice cream 'Maamsir?'

Yep, definitely me. Apparently I was the target and to be referred to as 'Ma'amsir.' Visitors and residents may be used to hearing this somewhat annoying phrase very frequently. 

But it's origins lay elsewhere. The term 'Ma-amsir' apparently originates from the far-east and is a particularly common sales expression in the Philippines. 

So just what IS a 'Ma'amsir?'

As is often the case with slang terminology, Urban Dictionary offers the best answers:

'A bi-gender pronoun used politely to refer to an individual one does not know. Typically used by store employees to address customers. (Most popularly used in the Philippines.)

Good evening maamsir, would you like to try our new lotion collection?' 

and 

'A pro-noun used to address ladies, gentlemen, and variations thereof. 

Most commonly used in the Philippines where people are unsure whether you are a man or a woman, or just can't be bothered to state the difference. 

A phrase apparently quite popular in the Philippines!

The last highlighted statement seems to be on the mark. It often seems that the term 'ma'amsir is adopted when the vendor can't actually be bothered to raise their head to identify the potential clients gender. Just go straight in with the pitch! 

Who is 'Ma-amsir?' 

This seems an easy one. You are, i.e. any potential customer is 'ma'amsir!' It probably seems a unique concept to any ex-pats out here as there aren't too many far-eastern sales employees (at least in the UK), but it seems that the phrase has reached the general public with abundancy in the middle east. 

The customer: commonly referred to as 'Maamsir.'

'Ma'amsir' has become a common exclamation in shopping malls across the city. Those who are well-of hearing may have heard its extension to those of other cultures within the sales domain who don't speak particularly fluent English. 

When is Ma'amsir? 

When shopping or doing any leisure activity where money is exchanged it seems! Tourists and residents alike seem to be fair game to vendors who frequently try to garner their attention through the use of this perplexing phrase! Ma'amsir seems to be used particularly often during busier periods of the day when the sales person cant be bothered to identify the customers gender, or the number of people in the group!

Where is Ma'amsir? 

Shopping malls: Natural habitat of the 'Ma'amsir' 

Shopping malls. Areas of high footfall seem particularly likely locations to have the phrase 'Ma'amsir' shouted frantically in your general direction! Restaurants too. It's not uncommon for your server to refer to you (and indirectly your group) as ma'amsir for the duration of your meal!

To be brutally honest, it's most likely a phrase you'll encounter in areas where far-eastern staff are likely to be widely employed typically the service sector.

Why is Ma'amsir? 

Culture and convenience! It's a far eastern expression that seems to have found its way across the world!

So there we have it. I hope that's shed some light on a phrase that initially baffled me upon my arrival here! 

**Further Observations 

Have you ever been served in a restaurant, and had similar staff to the above grovel around you the whole time and then once you've paid the bill seemingly completely forget every last detail of who you were!

It's like you suddenly become invisible! 

The customer: Attended to until the bill is settled!

It seems a common philosophy amongst far-eastern staff the world over, the customer is always right until the customer is no longer the customer! 

**Upselling

For far-eastern sales staff, it seems every advisable opportunity is an additional sales opportunity! 

Tea, coffee Maamsir? Perhaps a desert? I don't think I've ever been pitched so much at a restaurant before until encountering a Filipino server! 

Sales Opportunities: Tea, coffee, perhaps a desert? 

These are by no means criticisms of the service, It is impressive and skillful selling!however it is apparent that they take sales ability to the next level! 

Emirates Assessment Day: What to Expect and my Experience.

Emirates Assessment Day: What to Expect

If you successfully have made it through the open day/CV drop off day. Congratulations! Chances are you will receive an e-mail inviting you to an assessment day with Emirates in due course.

I went to my own drop-off day on a Friday, and the next working day (Sunday in Dubai), I promptly received notification that I had an assessment day lined up about 7 working days later.

Assessment Day: A group experience

As you may already have discovered, an assessment day will primarily be focused on your ability to work as a team. I've only sat the Emirates assessment day, however from what I've been told by my friends, and from my own research, this approach is pretty indicative across the board for airlines, so be ready!

At this point I should probably note that unfortunately I only got so far on this my first assessment day. However I learnt a lot from my experience on the day and I hope I'm able to share some insights that may prove useful to other prospective candidates! 

Timekeeping: Vital at an Assessment Day!

Here are some of the key aspects I found at my own assessment day, and own my personal experience:

**Your own accounts may vary!

First off, a quick note on time and timekeeping. Your assessment day may start very early. My own assessment day began at 7:30 am sharp. For obvious reasons timing is very important at Emirates, if you're late for the flight it's not going to wait for you as we were all reminded frequently! 
Be early to each event! 

I'm based on the other side of Dubai to Emirates HQ, so I set off at half 5. When I got there 2/3rds of candidates had already arrived so you must be early! Depending on your progress (I'll explain the day better below), It is also imperative to be early, or at very least on-time to each stage of your assessments. 

The recruitment staff will be taking analysis of your timekeeping among other aspects. So being punctual is a positive for you right off the bat. Don't come back to your next assessment late, if anything be early if you need to! 

OK, enough said on timing! As for the day itself.. 

Emirates spectacular Dubai Headquarters

There was about 60-70 candidates at my assessment day which took place at the Dubai Careers Centre. This was a significant drop from the open day where there was 1000+ in attendance. 

I know as a friend of mine is attending a separate day however, that there are at least two assessment days that take place in swift succession after an open day here. In your own country this may differ as other candidates have reported that they often transition straight from an open day into an assessment day depending on the turnout. So be ready if this does happen to you! 

We were ushered into a room at which point we were shown a series of informative videos about Emirates and life in Dubai. We were shown slightly less about life in Dubai according to the recruiters as we were already based here!

Videos and Q&A typically kick off an assessment day! 

During the video listen! The recruiters will be watching you and taking notes. This stage is pretty simple really, just look like you're paying attention. Body language here is important too look like you're paying attention! Next they will ask questions. Do not feel obliged to answer here unless you have something you'd like to ask would be my advice. 

There is no obligation at this stage to ask anything, and as you are still quite a large group they wont likely hold it against you. IF YOU REPEAT A QUESTION SOMEONE ELSE ASKS THEY MAY POINT OUT THIS FACT TO YOU! This shows quite clearly that you were not paying attention. 

The majority of the candidates who made this error I did not see progress to the latter stages. If you want to ask a question or a query make sure it hasn't already been answered! 

Next up is the first group assessment! 

There may be a cut after this point. There will almost certainly be an intermission. We were split into two groups based on candidate number. Those with numbers between 1-32 went immediately in for their first assessment, and the rest of us (I was number 46), were given a 35 minute break.

During your break (if you get one!) try and mingle with the other candidates! Chances are you might find they are your teammates when it comes to your assessment! 

I chatted with a few fellow candidates before reporting back to the assessment room five minutes early. Unfortunately no one I chatted to was in my own group!

We were organised into groups of 3 and were sat in two circles. Each group of 3 then received a card which had the name of a profession on the label. My group had baker. 

The recruiters then told us they wanted each group to come up with 3 key tasks that our selected profession would need to excel at, and we would then each stand up and present our ideas to the rest of the group. 

I was fortunate enough to have a friendly and amicable group of 3 made up of myself and two other guys. We each presented our idea to the group (I selected multitasking), and then it was time to present. My group was first in our group and I started. 

There seemed to be positive feedback from the group at my idea, however my fellow candidate after me struggled to explain his ideas. After he went silent for 15 seconds I tried to help him get back on track by interjecting to remind him of his earlier suggestions, and he was thankful for this as he was visibly nervous. Unfortunately though this pause cost him and he did not get through to the next stage so try and explain your views clearly and concisely. 

Being nervous is understandable! But try to keep your nerves in check if you can!

After the other groups presented (other jobs included nuclear scientist and farmer), we were then thanked and told to leave the assessment room. There was to be another cut. 

We sat in the lobby for roughly 15 mins, tension was pretty high at this point but eventually the recruiters guided us back into the room. In our case they simply called out the candidate numbers they wished to keep. 

Of the 30 or so of us left they called about about 10 numbers, luckily for me number 46 was one of them! At this point the other candidates were asked to hand back their recruitment numbers and leave, the rest of us were given a 5-10 minute intermission to prepare for the next assessment.  

The reach test: Technique may vary!

Next was the reach test. Emirates stipulates you need to be able to reach 212cm No exceptions. Girls were requested to take their shoes off for this. Men as long as they had relatively flat soles were able to keep their shoes on. You only need to reach the height with one-hand only so don't worry too much if this is a concern!

I don't think anyone got cut at this point although it was possible. They also asked about tattoos as we did this. I have a few, and whilst they weren't exactly pleased about them I don't think it's a huge deal as long as they're concealable below the expected uniform. Neck, face and ankle (girls) tattoos are not accepted. 

Forearm tattoos were contentious they handed us a sheet of acceptable areas  which suggested forearm tattoos were not allowed but this may have only been for girls. If you do have one I suggest you inquire with your recruiter or use your personal discretion. If you are successful you may need to remove this if not. 

Piercing were only allowed in the ears. Men with ear piercings (me included) would have to remove them. I should note I did not wear piercings at the assessment!

Not allowed unfortunately! 

Next up with another group assessment. This one worked slightly differently. Remaining candidates were split into two groups of 10, each group would have to work together to solve the problems presented. 

Now this can be difficult as I was to find out! 10 people in one group does not allow for as much group cohesion in many cases, and in retrospective I believe this must be a key part of the challenge posed!

We were presented with a scenario: You are manager of a theme park, and must make a judgment call (as a group) of how to deal with 5 different dissatisfied customers. 

The problems included a customer who had printed off a 25% discount coupon to the park and left it at home, a customer with crying children who wishes to move to the front of the queue, and a customer who is unhappy that a ride they came to see is undergoing repairs that day.

Now as others may have said, I don't believe the answers to the questions are particularly important with your group (they will be in the next part though so pay attention!) What is important is how you are able to interact as a team.

This is where it started to go wrong for me. I was with a group of people who would not let me speak. I was also reluctant to interrupt to get my way into the conversation as I'd heard this was negatively received, but in retrospective I'd have tried harder to get into the conversation. I just sat back nodded agreement, and spoke right at the end...but it was too late! I'd spoke for about 5 seconds but it was then time up! 

Now after the group discussion, the recruiters did something quite unexpected to us. They randomly selected individuals from the group and played the role of the concerned customer (expressing their anger and agitation.) This was fine for some, however I did not perform so well here. 

Scenario: Theme park manager with angry customers!

A curve-ball was thrown at me when it was my turn. The recruiter chose to play the role of another customer with children who was annoyed that my fellow candidate had allowed the first mother and child to the front of the queue and expected the same! I wasn't ready with a prepared statement for this outcome and hastily suggested that we would let them go to the front of the queue for the children's convenience and that of other passengers.

This was probably not the appropriate answer. It would have been better to express your sincere apologies and state that the previous family had been 'bumped up' for the convenience of other passengers. Oh well! 

At this point were were sent outside to await the results. I wasn't particularly confident over how I had performed at this point so the results weren't a huge surprise. We were ushered back into the room. There was 20 of us remaining and 9 papers for the English exam on the desk. They called out 9 numbers, unfortunately I wasn't one of them. 

This time however, the recruiters did take the rest of us aside and commend us for our performance and encouraged us to come back and re-apply in the future which I thought was a nice touch. They reminded us we wouldn't have got this far if they hadn't seen potential in us. 

Whilst I was initially disappointed, I felt I'd learnt a lot about my own potential from the day, and knew where I could improve. They can't disclose direct feedback for confidentiality but they don't really have to if you pay attention, you will figure out yourself where to improve if you need to! 

The next step would have been the English exam, and then Final Interview. I had prepared some answers for this which I felt were relatively competent. If you want me to share them just send me a message and I'll gladly do so! FlightAttendantCentral also provides some fantastic answers to here to Final Interview scenarios, and what to expect! 

My Feedback & Suggestions! 

I learnt a lot from the assessment day. For someone who quite quickly decided to apply I think I did quite well and may re-apply upon my return the the UK. From over 1000 candidates at the start down to the last 20 shows you how high the competition can be! 

Here is what I learnt and would suggest to future candidates: 

1. Research! 

This is a must! Check out the Emirates Careers Page for a good start. Here you will pick up what the role involves and useful factual information on the company. Other great sources are other blogs and videos, often with successful outcomes so please check them out! I have compiled a list of my favourites on this blog post! Also check out the Emirates Facebook page, this includes some great post & videos for the benefit of potential candidates! 

2. Be Patient! 

Depending on when a suitable CV Drop Off/Or open day is identified by the recruitment team for your successful application, the recruitment process can be a long one! As I've said before many candidates I encountered had waited months for there opportunity. Your invitation however should in theory allow you to attend any upcoming day you wish! If you are able to travel to a further one on a closer date by all means do so!

3. Be alert! 

You will need to good to go on a CV Drop off Day, and even more so on an assessment day! Confidence, and alertness will be very important as you can expect to be put on the spot! Try and sleep well the night before if you can! Which leads me onto the next point..

4. Do not worry!

It's a phrase often said, but what's the worst that can happen? OK, you don't get the job on this occassion, but if you get to an assessment day you have already beaten out a lot of the competition - Emirates has seen potential in you! Learn from it, and come back after 6 months, they will be more than happy to see you again! 

5. Choose your assessment day wisely! 

OK, this one is debatable. I spoke to an air hostess on one of my breaks who was kind enough to lend me some advice. One point she brought up was that my chosen location (Dubai) was a difficult one as it has a notoriously high turnout (thousands). She suggested a quieter venue for an easier application process. 

It raises an interesting point. If you can attend a more obscure location, chances are you'll be facing fewer applicants! However, the counter-argument to this statement would be that hey know what they are looking for in a candidate, so could theoretically not select anyone at all at a location if they don't think anyone there meets the required grade. It's something I'm considering investigating though when I return to the UK so I thought I'd add it as a point! 

Phew, thats everything! Overall, I enjoyed the process and will consider reapplying in the UK. I hope my experience has provided you with insight for your own application. 

If you wish to ask any questions please do so below or message me!

Emirates CV Drop Off Day: What to Expect!

Emirates CV Drop Off Day 

What to Expect!

'It's always been my dream to be cabin crew.'

I can't say this is my own view. But expect to hear it a lot at a CV Open Day!

Personally, I applied after a friend recommended it for me. Emirates are the industry leaders, and from what I've widely heard a brilliant employer. If you're going to apply for an airline, and you're in Dubai already why not try the very best? 

So, your application has been successful - congrats! Most likely you've got an invite email to a CV Drop Off Day. 

Your email may state something like the following:

'Emirates will be hosting an Invite Only - Recruitment Event near you. If you would like to attend please bring an updated CV, a photograph and a copy of this letter.'

As well as being pleased, and rightly so you've done brilliantly! Your initial reaction is probably one of confusion about what to bring with you. Online sources often cite a long list of documents.

Do not worry! For the CV Drop off day you really only need to bring the basics the email suggests. They may ask for the longer list of documents if you reach a final interview.

Bring the following with you: 

• Printed copy of your CV - amended to suit the role
• Copy of the letter stated - just print the email! 
• A pen - you will fill out a short doc of personal details
• A photograph - Take your head shot passport sized

This size and style. If you need to convert yours click here

..and lastly a smile! You'll need to smile a lot!

What should I wear? 

I'm no fashion guru by any means.. so I'll go by the official line here! It is common consensus that Emirates favors a more conservative look at these events. 

I'm not sure if this is necessarily true and you will see all sorts of 'looks', but it tended to be the rule of the majority! 

By this I mean the following is expected: 

Men 

In their own words 'suit & tie'. Standard. Not much to be concerned about here! The majority go with a dark/navy suit, sensible smart shoes and a professional tie. Done!

I made the quantum leap forward myself from a dark black suit in my photos to a navy one for the event.. No problems!

This!

Definitely not this!

Women 

I'm by no means an expert here and there's a lot of insightful female sources available (please check further reading at the bottom of the post if unsure!) But there was a certain look frequently seen on girls at the event. 

Emirates suggests the following:

'Ladies - knee length skirt/dress with skin coloured stockings.'

This is pretty much what the girls opted for. Some practically emulated the female cabin crew uniform in its entirety! I'd imagine that's fine, but the majority I encountered opted for dark skirt, jacket white blouse and sensible heels. 

You should be fine if you copy something like this!

Why am i going into such depth here? A meticulous look is very much expected of course, successful candidates are the face of the business. Make sure you're groomed and good to go! 

My Experience 

Emirates HQ, Dubai - Impressive. 

I received my invitation from Emirates on the 23rd of March, the event was on the 27th - not much time to get ready! I swiftly compiled the above documents and was good to go. 

I'm on a long visit in Dubai, so my invite stipulated I go directly to the Careers Centre at their Headquarters across from Terminal 3 where they are based in Garhoud. 

I was expected to be there for 9am sharp. Knowing punctuality is paramount I set off a good 90 mins early.. 

I was indeed very early. I parked up round the corner from the impressive glass paneled building that comprises the headquarters. Nerves were kicking in a bit now so I got out the car and took in some fresh air, right good to go best not be late!

I quite quickly found out the aforementioned punctuality was not as necessary as I thought on this occasion. The place was packed! I'd estimate there was about 1200 people there - and these were all invitees! Amazing. It felt quite like everyone aged in their 20s & 30s in Dubai was here! 

Candidate, after candidate, after candidate ;) 

                                       

I quickly found a spot where I could lean my documents and started mingling with the other candidates. Now I'm as shy as they come so DO NOT WORRY. Everyone was lovely and you'll quickly make friends if you make at least a minimal effort. 

Due to such a high turnout, it seemed that on-site security were drafted in to organize the masses! When 9am came round they swiftly placed us into two lines of candidates based on gender. It was all professionally done. 

Now, you might be thinking the mens line must have been the ideal one to be in, cabin crew applicants are typically female. Not this time! The girls numbered merely a couple of hundred and were swiftly attended to. The guys on the other hand... 

An impressive turnout! 

Well what can I say, the mens queue was expansive! Security kindly let us take some leisure time while we waited our turn to enter the auditorium. Cue mass scenes of somewhat awkward male bonding. 

Not for me fortunately, I'd been fortunate enough to befriend a group at the entrance (we actually remain in touch now!) I quite enjoyed the break and the chance to befriend some of the other candidates so don't be in a hurry. 

It is a fantastic premises I highly recommend going out on the balcony if you get a chance - it's really interesting to see the planes over theway, and they even have a Costa Coffee, so relax, re-energize and await your turn if this situation befalls you!   

Relax and unwind whilst you wait!

I actually treated the waiting process much like I would boarding a plane, sat back had a coffee and got acquainted with my new-found friends and when they made the 'final boarding call' i.e., inviting the last group into the auditorium to meet the recruiters.. 

It was that time! 

Rather then mentally rifling through my pitch I remember my overwhelming thought was what a fantastic room the auditorium was. Rather grand, and with luxurious cinema-style seating. Not unlike their business class specification actually, very nice! 

I was ushered to a seat and at the front there was no less then 5 Emirates recruiters observing us all very closely. When everyone was seated they gave us a quick speech about what to expect on the day, and fielded a couple of questions. It was all very informative. 

After this came the moment of truth - the CV drop off itself!

Remain cool, calm and collected!

Put simply, there was a recruiter in front of each row of us and one-by-one we each went up to the front and..

- exchanged greetings

- filled out a short form

- handed over a CV Copy and One Photo

- asked a quick 1-2 questions by the recruiter 

..and that's everything! 

When it was my turn I approached the gentleman at the desk and said 'good afternoon' (it was by this point!) 'Thank you kindly for the invite today'. 

Then I filled out the aforementioned short form with name, DOB, and a couple of additional personal details. I also handed my CV and photo (one passport-sized only) back to the recruiter and he asked..

'What are you doing currently in Dubai?' 

Phew. Easy enough answer here!

'I'm an accountancy student visiting Dubai from the UK.' 

I uttered. 

'OK, great thank you very much. Next please!' 

Was that it? Wow. I went back to wait in the lobby, wondering if such a short session with the recruiter was a positive or a negative sign. We were directed to check the notice boards at half 2 when the results would be posted.

Successful candidates would find their names highlighted those who were unsuccessful on this occasion would be left blank.

I wouldn't call the atmosphere in the lobby that tense. People were generally chatting and getting reacquainted with one another, having their lunch or having a cigarette on the balcony. Although there was a couple of folk visibly shaking.

I went to the restroom and there was an array of guys frantically combing their hair and preening themselves to perfection. 

They mustn't have got the memo that the day would be over at this point! 

Cabin-crew ready..

Anyway, at half past 2 the recruiters emerged and posted their lists to the notice board. People frantically scrambled forward to check they'd made the cut and the anticipated scenes of jubilation and disappointment followed! 

I hung back for about 5-10 minutes (you were never going to be able to read the list at that point anyway!) Eventually the rabble subsided and I went forward to check on my progress.

SUCCESS! My name was highlighted, and my friends on the day were through also. Fortunate really, as they'd eliminated roughly two thirds of the male candidates. 

I bid farewell to my new friends, and went home to expect an email with details of the forthcoming assessment day.

My Advice to Candidates for the Day

Do not worry! You'll have a great experience whatever the outcome. Try and get a good sleep the night before, if you can't try a herbal sleep remedy. I didn't sleep well the night before and felt a bit silly for getting so nervous after! 

Dress to Impress! A lot of the other candidates certainly will be, and you want to be no exception. Have your outfit ready the night before too, these events are often quite early. 

Interact! Chances are you'll meet some great people on the day if you make the effort. I've made a couple of firm friends I'm still in contact with I met at the event. These people could also be with you at the assessment day, or even your future colleagues!

Smile! Yes it cliche, but you want to look inviting and approachable. A natural smile is imperative, I'm not one to talk here as I didn't smile very much until I had my braces off, but don't give off a fake smile. Smile through your eyes!

Prepare! They may not ask very much at a drop off day, but for the short-time you're in front of them you want to be ready. Have your CV up to date, have a pen handy and have your statement pre-prepared. 

And thats about it! 

Further Reading and Info 

There are plenty of great places to check on the web for info. I recommend all the below:

Youtube

Lisa Single - Great advice from a current Cabin Crew member. I found the videos very insightful. Q&As, What to Expect Scenarios, and make up and beauty for girls are all covered brilliantly. 

MahdiaBeauty - Brilliant videos from a recent former Cabin Crew member. All with a great sense of humour. She knows her stuff and you'll learn about the process and job from viewing at the same time! 

Blogs and Articles 

Maryke in Dubai - She covers everything. A fantastic blog. 

Life as a Butterfly - Insightful. 

AlexkasParis - This covers the practical areas like paperwork and documentation nicely. 

Lastly don't forget to check out the forums on CabinCrew.com and FlightAttendantCentral.com. You'll find great tips from others going through the process at Emirates and other airlines. 

Finally, good luck! I hope you are successful! 

Emirates Online Application Process and Photos

Hey all!

Having previously applied (very recently) for a position with Emirates Airline for Cabin Crew, I promised myself I’d post my thoughts and advice whatever the outcome so here goes!

The reason I wish to share is that whilst there was plenty of fantastic resources available to candidates (I’ll list these in part 2!) I felt there was room to clarify further information for male candidates, and tips for the online application process. 

Therefore, I’m more than happy to divulge the admittedly limited information I know!

Emirates: A name synonymous with quality in the field. 

Getting Started 

Right, the majority of you likely are already aware of this, however if you’re new to this no problem! To receive an invite you need to register here 

Alternatively you can attend an open day if there is one in your local area. You do not have to apply online for an open day.

It’s a relatively hassle-free process and the online portal is fantastic and easy to use. 

Be warned though you will need to include TWO PHOTOS - so have them prepared! 

Either professionally taken, or taken at home is fine I believe just meet the criteria. I took mine on an Iphone 5 and had no issues!  

The first is a head and shoulders photo where you are dressed in business attire - so go formal! The second is a full length body photo - again formal!  

Both photos can be taken yourself but should be against a neutral background with your hands placed by your sides in the full length shot. I highly recommend you SMILE in both photos. 

My own photos were by no means professional, but they seemed to meet the requirements (I wasn’t asked to re-do at least) so I’ll include them below for reference! 

Head and shoulders photo 

You will want to make sure your photo is passport sized.
To convert your submission please click here.

Full Length Photo 

Sorry about the sizing! I had to narrow this out to try and cut out a bit of the doorway as
I couldn't take a full length image of myself. It seemed to be acceptable though!
A neutral background is of course preferable! 

The CV

Along with photos you will be asked to include your CV. You can amend this on their own portal to shorten it up and please do as although their system will take a grab from the attached document, it may not be in precise order and you will want to edit and re-arrange your details to ensure everything is as you want it. 

Key points seem to be fine for each previous role. I didn’t elaborate much, if they wanted more detail it was on the CV anyway. But prior employment, accomplishments, education are the essentials. 

If you can make sure you emphasize CUSTOMER SERVICE in your CV. Obviously this is crucial, so highlight your skills here appropriately. 

Having said that make sure your CV is concise. I’m not sure about Emirates in particular, but from experience recruiters tend to spend only a short time analyzing each applicant so you don’t need to go into too much detail. 

CV: Sometimes less is more! 

Emirates of course has a fantastic reputation, and as such many people wish to be part of their cabin crew. A recent source suggested they get as many as 15,000 applicants a month!

Finally, you will be asked the usual contact details and to sign a declaration. Once you’ve done all the steps above you’re good to go! 

You may see your application change to a status called ‘under review’ after sending. Do not worry this is a good sign and it means they have received your details and are reviewing them. 

Typically anywhere from 2-6 weeks later you should get a response. For me it was about 7 working days. I’ve heard it can be as little as 4 working days or as long as a few months to hear back so please do not worry if it takes a while. 

Many people at my CV drop off day said they'd waited nearly a year for their invitation so don't be disheartened, if they have a suitable event for you they'll make sure you're there! 

Patience: A virtue!

Successful applicants at this stage will receive an invite to a CV DROP OFF - USUALLY BY E-MAIL so make sure you check! Updates aren't always visible on the portal.

If you're unsuccessful don't worry. Make any necessary alterations and resubmit. 

This is where the process really beings!

If you've got any questions I haven't answered feel free to ask and I'll do my best to advise!