Etihad Airways, the official airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the inauguration of its inaugural career fair, aiming to link enthusiastic Emirati individuals with a variety of job prospects in aviation and related fields.
The event, named Khutwaty 2025, is intended to encourage direct interaction with the Emirati population.
Participants at Khutwaty, which translates to “my step” in Arabic, will have the chance to explore various career options in the aviation sector, network with influential figures, and get a glimpse into Etihad’s vibrant workplace culture.
The career fair is scheduled to occur at the Yas Conference Centre in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, May 22, from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Six Specialized Programs
The career fair will feature six specialized programs aimed at providing Emiratis with employment opportunities in both technical and corporate roles:
1. Cadet Pilot Program:
A structured two-year course that blends theoretical classroom learning with practical flight training in both Abu Dhabi and Spain. This program equips aspiring pilots with essential skills and international exposure to start a successful career in aviation.
2. Cadet Technician Program:
A comprehensive development initiative aimed at teaching participants the skills necessary to become licensed aircraft technicians. The program integrates academic coursework, GCAA module evaluations, and hands-on experience, leading to a Category A Aircraft Maintenance License qualification.
3. Airport Management Program:
A program that offers thorough insight into airport ground operations at both local and international levels. Participants will rotate through vital operational areas, gaining practical experience and leadership training. This program prepares Emiratis for supervisory roles, enhancing the effective operation of global airport environments.
4. Bedayati Program:
A structured training program for recent Emirati graduates. It provides practical work experience across various aviation sectors, equipping participants with skills essential for launching their careers. Collaborating with national initiatives like NAFIS, Etihad seeks to engage talented Emirati graduates for the Bedayati program, offering them industry exposure and potential career pathways.
5. MBA Future Leader Program:
A rotational leadership initiative that offers insight into core airline operations. Emirati professionals will collaborate with senior leaders, receive mentorship, and develop the strategic capabilities required to lead in a global aviation context.
6. Emerging Talent Program:
This program targets Emiratis with 1–2 years of experience, providing entry-level positions in crucial areas such as innovation, digital solutions, finance, and data analytics. With defined development pathways, it fosters skill enhancement and career advancement in cutting-edge business fields.
Aspiring Goals
“Our Journey 2030 vision establishes ambitious targets—doubling our fleet, tripling the number of passengers, and adding 16 new destinations by 2025 alone. Meeting these goals necessitates more than merely operational expansion; it calls for exceptional talent,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways.
“The Khutwaty 2025 Career Fair is a vital component of this strategy, serving as a platform to engage with aspiring Emiratis and facilitate their access to meaningful careers, allowing them to make significant contributions to the UAE through its national airline,” he further explained.
“Under our National Talent Development Strategy, we aim to enroll over 1,000 UAE Nationals in various roles across the organization in the next five years,” said Dr. Nadia Bastaki, the Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways.