Emirates open day: Only 7 reached the final Stage. Here is what happened

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Someone shared their Emirates Open Day experience in Rotterdam. Here is what happened, from arriving at the hotel to the final interview 😊

 

📍 1. Arrival at the hotel

• The Open Day was scheduled for 9:00 AM.
• Candidates were asked to arrive 30 minutes early.
• The recruiter arrived at 8:30 AM and explained how to create an Emirates account.
• At 8:50 AM, everyone entered the conference room.
• The recruiter gave a presentation about Emirates and asked questions afterwards.

💡 Tip: Arrive early and pay attention to the presentation. You might be asked questions about it. 

 

✈️ 2. First Stage - Introduce Yourself

Everyone had to introduce themselves and share:

• Name and age
• Where they are from
• Where they live
• Years of customer service experience

The recruiter also asked:

 If you were on a long-haul Emirates flight, which movie would you watch and why?

Candidates had to choose a movie and explain their reason.

💡 Tip: Keep your answer simple, explain your choice and show your personality. Only answer what the recruiter asks.

After this stage, there was a short break.

 

👥 Around 40 candidates started, but only 20 passed to the next stage

🤝 3. Second Stage - Group Discussion

• Candidates were divided into groups.
• One group had eight people.
• They received situations to discuss and solve together.
• Candidates had to share ideas, listen and work as a team.

The person sharing this experience made a small English mistake but continued speaking and still passed.

💡 Tip: You don't need perfect English. Speak clearly, listen to others and show good teamwork.

 

📏 4. Height and Tattoo Checks

During the group discussion stage, the recruiter also checked candidates' height and tattoos.

After the next elimination, only 7 candidates remained. 

💡 Tip: Check the official height, reach and tattoo requirements before attending.

 

 

📝 5. English Test

All 7 remaining candidates took the English test.

The test lasted 45 minutes and included:

• English tenses
• If-conditionals
• Passive voice
• Phrasal verbs
• Modal verbs
• Prepositions
• Articles
• Reading comprehension

All seven candidates passed.

💡 Tip: Practise English grammar and reading before your Open Day.

 

📸 6. Photos and Final Interview

After the English test:

• The recruiter took individual photos of the candidates.
• Everyone had a final interview on Microsoft Teams.
• The interview was with another recruiter based in Dubai.
• Each interview lasted around 15-20 minutes.
• Candidates confirmed their personal information and answered three questions.

Afterwards, everyone had to wait for the final result.

 

👔 7. What Should You Wear?

• Wear smart, professional clothing.
• A business suit is a good choice.
• The recruiter helped candidates prepare for their photos.
• The recruiter even had makeup, clothes and other useful items available.

Professional photos taken before the Open Day were not needed.

💡 Tip: Dress professionally, look neat and follow the latest official Emirates requirements.

💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

Etihad Virtual Pre-Selection Day + Timeline 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing a candidates experience with Etihads virtual pre-selection day to give you an idea of what to expect if you have been invited, including the process and timeline😊

 

Microsoft teams meeting::

There were approximately 256 candidates in the Microsoft Teams meeting. How many candidates being invited varies. On this specific day, there was 256 invited. 

A recruiter welcomed everyone and asked us to wait while the team prepared for the next steps. Another recruiter later joined and explained how the day would work.

We were given a few instructions:

• Make sure your device is fully charged.

• Check your camera and lighting before the event.

• Be prepared to stand up and move back from the camera so the recruiter can see you clearly.

• Male candidates were asked to remove their suit jackets and remain in their shirts for the appearance check.

• We were told that candidates would be divided into smaller breakout rooms, initially described as groups of around 8 to 10 people.

While waiting, the recruiter encouraged everyone to introduce themselves and chat with the other candidates.

 

Waiting and breakout rooms::

After some time in the main lobby, we were moved into smaller breakout rooms.

The group I was in had approximately 16 candidates, so the actual group size may vary. We then waited for the recruiter to join our room.

 

Appearance and camera check::

Once the recruiter joined, she welcomed us and explained that we needed to stand up and move back from our cameras so she could see us properly.

One candidate asked whether our shoes needed to be visible. The recruiter explained that this wasn't necessary. The main thing was to make sure we were clearly visible while standing.

We were given a little time to adjust our cameras and positions.

The recruiter then called each candidate by name. We were asked to state only our name and nationality. Some candidates shared additional information, but the recruiter clarified that we only needed to provide those two details.

Once everyone had introduced themselves, we were asked to sit down.

 

The interview question: Why Etihad?

The recruiter asked every candidate the same question:

What motivated you to join Etihad?

In other words, why do you want to work for Etihad Airways?

Candidates answered individually when their names were called. The assessment was conducted in English and everyone had the opportunity to explain their motivation for wanting to join the airline.

My advice is to prepare a genuine answer that explains why you chose Etihad specifically. Try to show that you have researched the airline and understand what attracts you to the company, rather than simply memorizing a generic answer.

 

What happened at the end?

After everyone had answered the question, the recruiter explained that we could expect to hear back within approximately 6 to 10 days.

She also mentioned that she hoped to see us in Abu Dhabi, suggesting that the next stage might take place there.

We were then instructed to leave the meeting directly without returning to the main lobby.

 

A few tips for your Etihad virtual pre-selection day:

• Test your camera, microphone and lighting before joining.

• Clean your camera lens to make sure the image is clear.

• Choose a quiet location with a tidy background.

• Follow Etihad's grooming and appearance guidelines.

• Be ready to stand up and adjust your camera during the event.

• Listen carefully and follow the recruiter's instructions.

• Prepare a natural, convincing answer to ''Why Etihad?''

• Stay calm, polite and professional throughout the process.

 

This is one candidates experience from October 2026. The group sizes varies from event to event. 

 

 

Etihad Timeline::

Etihad Cabin Crew Timeline 2026

 

• 18/09/26  - Virtual Pre-Selection Day

• 24/09/26 - Shortlisted for Virtual Assessment
•  28/09/26 - Virtual Assessment + FI
•  28/09/26 - Pictures sent
•  30/09/26 - English Test received
•  01/10/26 - English Test completed
•  02/10/26 - Offer Letter 

 
 
 

Info about this candidate:::

The entire recruitment process was online.

From submitting the application to receiving the virtual pre-selection day invite: approx 2 weeks.

 

After they confirmed their pre-virtual selection slot, they got this email::::::::::::

 

 

30 things you probably didn’t know about the cabin crew job & onboard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do cabin crew ask you to open your window shade during takeoff and landing?

 
A) To enjoy the view
B) To see outside in an emergency
C) To make the cabin brighter

✅ Answer: B
If something goes wrong, crew and passengers can see what is happening outside.

 

Why are airplane lights dimmed at night before landing?

A) To save electricity
B) To help passengers sleep
C) To help your eyes adjust to darkness

✅ Answer: C
Your eyes are already adjusted if an evacuation becomes necessary.

 

What happens if you open an emergency exit door during flight?

A) It opens normally
B) The aircraft loses pressure
C) It cannot simply be opened because of cabin pressure

✅ Answer: C

 

Why do cabin crew sit facing backwards on some aircraft?

A) It is more comfortable
B) It can provide better protection in certain crash scenarios
C) They want to see passengers

✅ Answer: B

 

What is one of the first things cabin crew check before takeoff?

A) Their makeup
B) Emergency equipment and cabin safety
C) The movie selection

✅ Answer: B

 

 Why can't you take a huge bottle of water through airport security?

 
A) It is too heavy
B) Liquids are restricted by security rules
C) The aircraft can't carry enough water

✅ Answer: B

 

What happens when an oxygen mask drops?

A) Oxygen comes from a giant tank
B) The mask automatically calls the crew
C) Oxygen is supplied through the aircraft's oxygen system

✅ Answer: C

 

Why do flight attendants always point to something during their safety checks?

A) To look professional
B) To confirm equipment is there and ready
C) It's part of their uniform routine

✅ Answer: B

 

Can cabin crew force you to leave the aircraft during an evacuation?

A) No
B) Yes, if necessary for safety
C) Only the captain can

✅ Answer: B

 

Why are airplane tray tables required to be stowed for takeoff and landing?

A) To keep them clean
B) To prevent injuries and keep escape paths clear
C) Because they use too much fuel

✅ Answer: B

 

What is the most important thing cabin crew carry with them?

A) Their phone
B) Their passport
C) Their safety knowledge and training

✅ Answer: C

 

Why do cabin crew sometimes ask passengers to remove headphones during safety demonstrations?

A) Because headphones are dangerous
B) So passengers can hear important safety information
C) Because music interferes with the aircraft

✅ Answer: B

 

What should you NOT do if there is an evacuation?

A) Follow crew instructions
B) Leave your luggage behind
C) Take your cabin bag with you

✅ Answer: C

 

Why does cabin crew check under your seat?

A) To check your shoes
B) To make sure the area is clear for safety equipment
C) To see if you dropped something

✅ Answer: B

 

Can a passenger be refused boarding because of their behaviour?

A) Yes
B) No
C) Only on long-haul flights

✅ Answer: A

 

Why do cabin crew sometimes ask passengers to wake up before landing?

A) Because sleeping is dangerous
B) So they are prepared to follow instructions if needed
C) Because landing causes turbulence

✅ Answer: B

 

 What happens if the cabin suddenly loses pressure?

A) The aircraft immediately crashes
B) Oxygen masks may automatically deploy
C) The engines stop

✅ Answer: B

 

Why do cabin crew have to memorize where emergency equipment is located?

A) They are tested on it
B) They may need to find it quickly in an emergency
C) Both A and B

✅ Answer: C

 

What is cabin crew's NUMBER ONE priority?

A) Serving food
B) Making passengers happy
C) Safety

✅ Answer: C

 

What do you think is harder for cabin crew?

A) Serving hundreds of passengers
B) Emergency training
C) Staying calm under pressure
D) ALL OF THE ABOVE

✅ Answer: D

 

Why do cabin crew ask you to put your seatbelt on even when the seatbelt sign is off?

 
A) To keep you comfortable
B) Because unexpected turbulence can happen
C) Because the captain can see you

✅ Answer: B

Turbulence can happen suddenly, so keeping your seatbelt fastened is the safest option.

 

Why do airplanes have ashtrays when smoking is not allowed?

A) They are leftovers from old aircraft
B) They are for cabin crew
C) They are emergency equipment for cigarettes

✅ Answer: A
Smoking is prohibited, but ashtrays are still required in certain locations as a safety measure.

 

Why does cabin crew sometimes ask you to raise your window shade before landing?

A) To make the cabin look nicer
B) To help everyone see outside
C) To reduce turbulence

✅ Answer: B
It helps crew and passengers spot potential hazards outside.

 

What should you do with your phone during takeoff and landing?

A) Turn it completely off
B) Put it in airplane mode and follow crew instructions
C) Keep it connected to mobile data

✅ Answer: B

 

Why are there usually two pilots in the cockpit?

A) One flies and one sleeps
B) For safety and workload sharing
C) One is only there for emergencies

✅ Answer: B

 

What does the cabin crew do if someone becomes seriously ill during a flight?

A) Ignore it until landing
B) Assess the situation and follow medical procedures
C) Immediately land anywhere

✅ Answer: B

 

Why do cabin crew perform a safety demonstration before every flight?

A) Because passengers are expected to memorize it
B) To make sure passengers know what to do in an emergency
C) Because it's entertainment

✅ Answer: B

 

Can cabin crew tell a passenger to change seats?

A) Yes, when necessary for safety or operational reasons
B) Never
C) Only if the passenger agrees

✅ Answer: A

 

Why do cabin crew check that overhead bins are properly closed?

A) To keep the cabin looking tidy
B) To prevent items from falling during flight
C) To make the aircraft lighter

✅ Answer: B

 

What do cabin crew do when the cabin door is armed?

A) The door is locked permanently
B) The evacuation slide is prepared to deploy if the door is opened in an emergency
C) The door cannot be opened from outside

✅ Answer: B

 

 

Before saying/thinking that Emirates is toxic...think about this

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How come some Emirates crew stay for 6, 8 or even 10+ years, with some eventually becoming Pursers, while other new joiners leave within just a few months? 

We see so many posts online saying:

''Emirates is toxic''

''Why I left after 1 month''

''Why I left Emirates''

''Why I left after 1 year''

And honestly, some of those experiences may be completely real.

But here is something else to think about:

No company is perfect.

Every company has problems. Every job has difficult days, difficult people and challenges. The important thing is how you deal with those challenges and whether the job is still right for you.

Emirates is no different.

You can experience fatigue from busy rosters and changing sleep patterns.

You can feel homesick because your family and old life are far away.

You can feel lonely, even when you are surrounded by 10000 of people.

There are strict rules that can feel difficult for some people.

You can have stressful flights, difficult passengers, demanding managers or situations where you feel you are not being supported.

And yes, management isn't always perfect either.

Pursers can have difficult experiences with management, reporting, office situations and workplace politics too.

They can disagree with decisions, feel frustrated and have difficult days at onboard, just like new joiners.

They are not protected from these problems just because they have been with the company for many years.

The reality can be very different from the dream you imagined before moving to Dubai.

Relationships can change. You can experience burnout. You can feel disappointed if your career progression is slower than you expected. Your roommate sucks. 

But then I look at the crew who have stayed for 5, 10, 15 or 20 + years.

Some of them became Pursers. Do you really think they never experienced these things? Do you think they never felt exhausted? Never felt homesick? Never had a difficult roommate? Never had problems with management? Never experienced stress, burnout or frustration? Of course they did. They are human too. The difference is that some of them chose to push through. They learned how to deal with difficult situations. They gained experience. They developed patience and resilience. They adapted to the reality of the job.

And they kept moving forward.

Of course, leaving can be the right decision. Not every job is right for every person and nobody should stay somewhere that is genuinely harming them.

But if you want to build a long term career, you also have to understand something:

Challenges are part of every career.

You will have bad days. You will have stressful months. You will disagree with management. You will 100% feel exhausted. You will 100% question whether you want to continue. The crew who eventually become Pursers didn't necessarily have an easier journey. They faced challenges too.

They simply found a way to keep going through many of them.

Because success isn't about finding a job with no problems.

It is about learning, adapting and having the resilience to keep moving forward when things get difficult💙

So next time you see a crew member posting about how ''toxic'' Emirates is, don’t just believe everything you read.

Ask yourself: Did they actually give it a fair chance? Did they really try to adapt? Did they give up after a few months because the job wasn’t what they expected?

Maybe Emirates wasn’t the problem. Maybe the job simply wasn’t for them.

One person’s bad experience doesn’t automatically mean the whole company is bad.