Mohammed bin Rashid meets UAE National Emirates pilots at Dubai Airshow 2025

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with a group of UAE National pilots serving with Emirates Airline during his visit to the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. During the meeting, held at the Royal Pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the pilots’ contributions to Emirates’ operations and their role in strengthening the airline’s global standing in civil aviation.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the pilots and commended Emirates for its commitment to developing Emirati talent across the aviation sector. He highlighted that Emirati professionals remain a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term vision, particularly in advanced technology fields and globally competitive industries.

The Ruler of Dubai emphasised that the dedication of young Emiratis to excel in aviation reflects the ethos of ambition and achievement that defines the UAE. He also noted the increasing presence of Emirati women in specialised aviation roles, describing their participation as a success story that reinforces diversity, capability and sustainable growth.

The gathering underscored Sheikh Mohammed’s continued commitment to nurturing national talent and expanding opportunities for Emirati youth and women in strategic sectors. The 40 Emirates pilots in attendance, including two women, expressed pride in meeting His Highness and reaffirmed their commitment to excellence and to representing the UAE internationally.

Emirates has prioritised the cultivation of Emirati aviation expertise, aligned with the UAE’s broader Emiratisation goals. Nearly 900 UAE Nationals currently serve as Captains and First Officers across the airline’s global network, while more than 300 cadets are undergoing training at the Emirates Flight Training Academy. This investment in homegrown talent supports the airline’s long-term operational needs and strengthens the technical capabilities of the national workforce, from cadetship through to command roles.