DUBAI- Emirates Airline (EK) has inaugurated its USD 8 million Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence in Dubai (DXB), a world-class facility dedicated to elevating cabin crew training for nearly 25,000 members.
The new centre aims to redefine luxury service standards through immersive, Michelin-inspired experiences that blend hospitality artistry with practical learning.
By the end of the year, more than 10,000 Emirates cabin crew will have completed training at the new facility. Designed with high-end amenities such as elegant presentation kitchens, a restaurant and lounge for 170 guests, and eight tech-enabled classrooms, the centre underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering the ‘Fly Better’ promise.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates $8 Million Cabin Crew Facility
The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence serves as the cornerstone of Emirates’ refined service philosophy—excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion. Modelled on Michelin-star hospitality, the centre focuses on premium guest engagement, fine dining etiquette, and table service mastery.
This new chapter in Emirates’ hospitality evolution follows its successful partnership with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, one of the world’s leading hospitality management schools. The collaboration shaped the airline’s elevated hospitality strategy, now brought to life at the Dubai facility.
Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Service Delivery, Thomas Ney, emphasized that the initiative enables crew members to personally experience Emirates’ luxury standards, helping them build authentic, customer-focused connections that define the airline’s service excellence.
Photo: EmiratesImmersive Fine Dining Experiences
At the heart of the centre is a hands-on fine dining simulation where Emirates cabin crew dine as guests, enjoying a four-course gourmet lunch curated by Emirates’ master chefs. These sessions replicate First and Business Class service, allowing crew to experience hospitality from the customer’s perspective.
Each dining experience is hosted by Emirates’ elite trainers, who demonstrate service finesse, refined communication, and attention to detail.
The focus extends beyond formality—crew are encouraged to infuse service with personality and genuine warmth, ensuring every interaction feels personal and memorable.
Photo: EmiratesCulinary Mastery in Action
The facility features a purpose-built training kitchen designed as a hybrid between a professional restaurant kitchen and an aircraft galley. Here, Emirates cabin crew learn presentation artistry under the guidance of master chefs.
Training covers plating aesthetics, balancing colors and textures, and creating visually appealing dishes that match Emirates’ in-flight dining standards. These lessons reinforce the sensory and emotional connection of the dining experience onboard.
The Art of Service
The Art of Service course extends beyond mechanics into the psychology of hospitality. It teaches crew how to interpret guest cues, respond intuitively, and engage with confidence and empathy.
This program introduces the concept of savoir-ętre—presence, poise, and emotional intelligence—traits essential for connecting with Emirates’ diverse passengers. The course was developed from extensive research in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels worldwide.
L’Art du Vin: Emirates’ Wine Education
The centre also hosts L’Art du Vin, Emirates’ bespoke wine education program. Led by sommeliers and expert wine trainers, the course offers three progressive levels—Introduction, Business Class, and First Class—tailored to varying experience levels.
Participants taste Emirates’ onboard selection and learn about each wine’s heritage, characteristics, and ideal pairings. The program began in mid-2024 at Emirates’ Training Centre and continues to expand within the new hospitality facility.
Photo: SAABBottom Line
The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence complements the airline’s broader training ecosystem, including the Crew Zone at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai. This dedicated 24/7 space offers workshops, wellness hubs, and interactive areas to support crew wellbeing and professional growth.
Emirates currently employs nearly 25,000 cabin crew from over 140 countries, fluent in more than 70 languages. Each undergoes comprehensive onboarding and continuous development throughout their career. Training includes emergency procedures, safety, service, and hospitality modules, ensuring consistent global standards.
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