Emirates opens US$8M Centre of Hospitality Excellence, training 25,000 cabin crew to Michelin-Star standards

UAE – Emirates has launched the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence in Dubai, a state-of-the-art US$8 million facility dedicated to training nearly 25,000 cabin crew in world-class hospitality.

Designed to elevate in-flight service, the center offers a luxurious, immersive learning environment focused on the art of premium guest experiences.

The facility features a spacious restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, elegant presentation kitchens, and eight tech-enabled classrooms.

It serves as the physical embodiment of Emirates’ elevated hospitality strategy, developed in collaboration with Switzerland’s Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne since 2020.

This partnership has shaped a curriculum centered on the airline’s four pillars: excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion.

More than 10,000 cabin crew are scheduled to be trained by the end of 2025. The program includes fine dining protocols, table service finesse, and premium guest engagement, all modeled on Michelin-star standards.

Newly recruited and experienced crew undergo training here, ensuring consistent service excellence throughout their careers.

A highlight is the immersive fine dining experience, where crew dine as guests. They enjoy a curated four-course gourmet lunch prepared by Emirates’ master chefs, featuring signature First and Business Class dishes.

The meals are served by the airline’s elite training team, demonstrating 7-star hospitality that emphasizes authenticity, emotional connection, and personalized service.

The L’Art du Vin program offers three levels of sommelier training, teaching wine heritage and food pairings. This hands-on approach allows crew to experience firsthand the cuisine, beverages, and ambiance they deliver.

Thomas Ney, Emirates’ DSVP of Service Delivery, stated the center empowers crew to create unforgettable moments.

“We’ve invested in the highest levels of luxury hospitality training,” he said. “This is how we enable world-class service.”

Emirates’ global reputation for exceptional service demands continuous investment in training. As passenger expectations rise, especially in premium cabins, the airline must ensure every interaction reflects sophistication, empathy, and precision.

The center enables crew to internalize service excellence, not just perform it, fostering genuine connections with travelers.

By simulating real-world luxury environments, the center strengthens Emirates’ reputation for exceptional inflight hospitality, setting new benchmarks in global aviation.

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