Emirates Hospitality Centre has opened in Dubai, setting a new benchmark in aviation training. The $8 million facility showcases the airline’s commitment to elevating global standards in fine dining and service.
The centre sits in Al Garhoud within the Emirates Crew Training Centre. It can train up to 25,000 cabin crew, helping them master table settings, gourmet plating, and customer care while reflecting the airline’s signature style.
The project builds on Emirates’ partnership with Switzerland’s Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. Together, they created a Michelin-inspired program that blends culinary skill with aviation service. The partnership reflects a wider strategy to bring global hospitality knowledge into the airline’s daily operations.
Spread across eight advanced classrooms, the centre offers more than theory. It features a 170-seat restaurant-style lounge, modern presentation kitchens, and breakout areas. Trainees practise in settings that mirror Emirates’ premium cabins, giving them real-world confidence before they step on board.
Crew members from over 140 countries, speaking 70 languages, join the eight-week program. They start with Economy service before moving into Business and First Class. Each stage adds new skills and prepares them for leadership roles such as Purser.
Training focuses on four pillars: excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion. These values help crew deliver consistent, high-level service. Practical lessons include fine dining presentation, table etiquette, and customer interaction.
The facility also hides a training aircraft for inflight practice. This feature links classroom lessons with hands-on experience, ensuring trainees are fully ready for real flights.
Industry experts view the initiative as a bold strategy. Emirates strengthens its edge by investing in people at a time when passenger expectations are rising quickly. The centre also shows how airlines can merge luxury, service, and innovation to remain competitive.
Looking ahead, the Emirates hospitality centre will likely become a global benchmark. By combining innovation with service excellence, Emirates aims to offer more than flights. It wants every journey to reflect professionalism, care, and world-class hospitality.
