Emirates: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, announced on Friday the launch of its first career fair, in an attempt to connect ambitious Emirati talent with a wide range of career opportunities in aviation and beyond. 

The fair will be called Khutwaty 2025 and will be designed to foster direct engagement with the Emirati community.

The fair will take place at the Yas Conference Centre in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, May 22, from 2pm to 6pm.

Six specialised programmes 

The career fair will showcase six specialised programmes designed to provide Emiratis with career opportunities across both technical and corporate functions: 

1. Cadet pilot programme:  

A structured two-year journey that combines classroom theory with hands-on flight training in both Abu Dhabi and Spain. This programme prepares aspiring pilots with the foundational skills and international experience needed to begin a successful aviation career.  

2. Cadet technician programme:  

An end-to-end development programme designed to equip participants with the comprehensive skills required to become licensed aircraft technicians. The programme combines academic training, GCAA module examinations, and hands-on practical experience, culminating in a Category A Aircraft Maintenance License qualification.  

3. Airport management programme:  

A development programme offering comprehensive exposure to airport ground operations, both locally and internationally. Participants will rotate through key operational areas, gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills. With opportunities for international placements, this programme prepares Emiratis to take on supervisory roles and contribute to the seamless functioning of global airport environments.  

4. Bedayati programme: 

A structured training initiative for fresh Emirati graduates. This programme offers real-world work experience across various aviation functions, providing participants with the skills needed to kickstart their careers. In partnership with national initiatives like NAFIS, Etihad aims to attract talented Emirati graduates to the Bedayati programme, offering them valuable industry exposure and a pathway to potential careers. 

5. MBA future leader programme:  

A rotational leadership programme offering exposure to core airline functions. Emirati professionals will work alongside senior leaders, receive mentorship, and build the strategic skills needed to drive progress and lead in a global aviation environment.  

6. Emerging talent programme:  

Designed for Emiratis with 1–2 years of experience, this programme offers entry-level roles in high-impact areas such as innovation, digital, finance, and data analytics. With clear development pathways, it supports skill development and career growth into future-focused business areas. 

Bold goals

"Our Journey 2030 vision sets bold goals—doubling our fleet, tripling passenger numbers, and expanding to 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. Achieving this ambition requires more than operational growth; it demands exceptional people," said  Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways.

“Khutwaty 2025 Career Fair is a key initiative within this strategy, providing a platform to connect with aspiring Emiratis and open pathways to impactful careers, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the UAE through its national carrier,” he added. 

“Through our National Talent Development Strategy, we aim to enrol more than 1,000 UAE Nationals in a variety of roles across the organisation over the next five years," said Dr Nadia Bastaki, chief people and corporate affairs officer at Etihad Airways.