…. AS EMIRATES LANDS IN CORK AND DUBLIN FOR RECRUITMENT EVENTS
AS THE UAE (United Arab Emirates) designates 2026 as the Year of the Family, two Irish sisters from Kilkenny are living proof that family bonds can stretch far beyond home, right across the globe.
Éabha and Doireann Sloyan, who grew up together in Kilkenny city, are now both working as Emirates cabin crew, building international careers while sharing the unique experience of living and flying from Dubai.
For the sisters, joining the world’s largest international airline was driven by a shared love of travel and curiosity about the world, values rooted in their upbringing. While their career paths initially diverged, both ultimately found themselves drawn to the same opportunity a role that allows them to explore new cultures while remaining closely connected as family.
“Growing up, travel was always something we talked about,” says Éabha, a graduate of NUIG, who has spent over a year living and working in Dubai. “Working for Emirates has given me the chance to see places I only ever dreamed of, but what makes it extra special is sharing that experience with my sister.”
Inspired by Éabha’s journey, Doireann made the leap from a corporate career to pursue cabin crew training with Emirates, relocating to Dubai to begin a completely new chapter.
“It was a big decision to leave my job, but seeing Éabha thrive gave me the confidence to go for it,” Doireann explains. “Training was intense but incredibly rewarding, and having my sister already here made the transition so much easier. It really felt like we were starting this adventure together.”
A career built on connection
Successful Emirates cabin crew recruits relocate to Dubai and complete eight weeks of intensive training at the airline’s world-class academy, covering hospitality, safety and emergency procedures. From there, opportunities open up across all cabin classes, with clear pathways for progression into senior and leadership roles.
Now fully qualified, the sisters operate on Emirates’ global network, often comparing notes on destinations, layovers and life in the sky.
“Rio de Janeiro has been a standout for me,” says Éabha. “The food, the culture, the energy, every visit feels like a new adventure.”
“Australia is always special,” adds Doireann. “There’s such a strong Irish community there, and it’s amazing to be able to visit friends and extended family who emigrated, while doing your job.”
Life in Dubai
When not flying, both sisters have embraced life in Dubai, describing it as a city that balances career opportunity with lifestyle.
“On days off, it can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want,” Éabha says. “Beach mornings, desert activities, great food it doesn’t feel like a typical place you move to for work. It feels like somewhere you live.”
For Doireann, the sense of community has been key.
“You meet people from all over the world, but there’s also a strong Irish network here. It makes Dubai feel surprisingly like home.”
Emirates returns to Ireland to recruit cabin crew
Emirates is returning to Ireland this Winter to recruit new cabin crew members, with an open days scheduled in Dublin, offering Irish candidates a direct route into a global aviation caree
Friday, January 30, 2026 (tomorrow) at 9:00am
Hilton Dublin, Charlemont Place, Saint Kevin’s, D02 A893
Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 9.00am
Maldron Hotel Cork, 11 John Redmon Street, Shandon, Cork, T23 A9TF
Emirates operates three daily flights between Dublin and Dubai from October – March. From April – September, the airline operates a double daily service.
Benefits of flying with Emirates
Life as an Emirates cabin crew member includes a comprehensive package designed to support both career and lifestyle, including:
• Furnished accommodation in Dubai, with utilities included
• A competitive, tax-free salary and comprehensive health cover
• 30 days of annual leave and a free annual return ticket home
• Greatly discounted travel for family and friends
• A multicultural workplace with colleagues from more than 148 nationalities which includes just over 200 Irish cabin crew members
Family at the heart of the journey
As the UAE places renewed focus on family unity and social connection in 2026, the Sloyan sisters say their experience reflects how shared values can travel just as far as people do.
“We’re doing something we love, seeing the world, and still sharing it together,” says Éabha. “That’s really special.”
“No matter where we’re flying,” adds Doireann, “family is always at the heart of it.”
For more information on Emirates cabin crew careers, visit:
Cabin Crew | Emirates Group Careers
The 'Travel' Life of Brian 