Mohammed bin Rashid Meets Emirates' Emirati Pilots at Dubai Airshow

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently met with a delegation of Emirati pilots from Emirates at the Dubai Airshow 2025. This high-profile meeting underscored the United Arab Emirates' unwavering commitment to nurturing national talent within its burgeoning civil aviation sector. The discussions highlighted the pivotal role these pilots play in bolstering Emirates' global operations and reinforcing the UAE's strategic position in the international aerospace landscape.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Emirati talent forms the bedrock of the UAE's future aviation vision, expressing profound confidence in their capacity to drive progress and enhance global competitiveness, particularly in advanced technological domains. The UAE leadership views investment in its people as central to the nation's long-term growth strategy. This commitment extends to fostering innovation and elevating the UAE's standing across various advanced technology sectors.

The meeting also acknowledged the increasing participation of Emirati women in specialized aviation roles, recognizing their contributions as a significant success story that promotes diversity and sustainable growth within the vital industry. Emirates, driven by this national vision, actively cultivates the next generation of Emirati aviation expertise. The airline currently employs nearly 900 UAE Nationals as Captains and First Officers across its worldwide network, with an additional 300 cadets undergoing training at the Emirates Flight Training Academy.

This substantial investment in homegrown talent not only aligns with the UAE's Emiratisation goals but also strategically addresses Emirates' future demand and long-term operational requirements. The initiative ensures a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, fostering deep technical expertise within the UAE National workforce, from initial cadet training through to senior command positions. This proactive approach solidifies Emirates' operational resilience and its leadership in global commercial aviation.