Emirates is one of the world’s most iconic brands, and the airline has what I’d consider to be one of the world’s most recognizable uniforms. Well, Emirates has just introduced new uniforms, but they’ll only be worn by a small team of ground agents in Dubai… for now.
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Emirates introduces evolutionary new uniforms
Emirates has officially debuted a new uniform, designed specifically for its 145-person Premium & VIP Passenger Services team at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
As it’s described, “the new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers.” The new uniform was designed in-house by Emirates’ uniform standards team, and there are three different variations of the uniform — an A-line skirt suit for ladies, a pant suit for ladies, and a three-piece suit for men.
The colors of the uniform haven’t changed — as before, they’re in a shade of warm sand, symbolizing the desert dunes of the United Arab Emirates, with a red collar and matching cuffs for ladies. The suit is accented by the iconic Emirates red hat, with a gold pin showcasing the Emirates logo, and a draped cream-colored chiffon scarf, representing the local culture. The look is completed with red leather shoes and matching handbags.
For those not familiar with Emirates’ Premium & VIP Passenger Services team, their primary duty is to assist first class passengers who are connecting, by meeting them at the gate, and escorting them to the lounge. They also help other VIPs and dignitaries with formalities at the airport. In total, the team looks after more than 150,000 guests annually.
Is a larger uniform redesign happening soon?
Based on Emirates’ press release, it sounds like these uniforms will be exclusive to the small team of Emirates VIP agents in Dubai. However, I can’t help but think there might be more to this.
Emirates hasn’t had a full uniform design refresh in well over 15 years, since the Airbus A380 was introduced, in 2008. For a long time, there have been rumors that Emirates would be refreshing its uniforms. Reading between the lines, I can’t help but wonder if this small team of Emirates employees is basically just testing the uniforms for some time, before they’re possibly rolled out on a more widespread basis.
After all, Emirates is one of the few airlines where ground employees and flight attendants have very similar uniforms. Furthermore, what we’re seeing here kind of fits that bill — it maintains Emirates’ iconic look, while still representing an update. I can’t imagine the airline created new uniforms for so few employees, but rather this has to be the start of something bigger.
Here’s the funny thing about Emirates uniforms, if you ask me. When I look at the above uniforms, I can’t help but think that they look kind of retro, like they’re from a couple of decades ago. I’d actually say that they look “older” than Emirates’ current, standard uniform.
However, I still find it to be incredibly elegant, and I like it a lot, I think (I haven’t yet seen it in person). You have to give Emirates credit for all the little details in the uniform, and Emirates employees generally do a great job pulling it off, and making sure their appearance is in line with what the airline expects.
So I’m a fan of this, and it makes me think that Emirates will keep this sort of retro theme, rather than introducing some ultra-modern uniforms.
Bottom line
Emirates has introduced a redesigned uniform for some of its employees in Dubai. While the uniform will only be worn by 145 people for now, I have to imagine that this might be the start of a larger uniform redesign. If you ask me, the new uniform looks classic and sophisticated. So for now we’ll mark this as “developing,” but I wouldn’t be surprised if Emirates eventually introduces something similar to this as its new standard uniform.
What do you make of Emirates’ new uniforms?
Looks a bit matronly. And the red side kick pleat truncated by the red belt doesn't deliver an elegant line to any figure.
For once we're on the same wavelength, Lucky. I also thought these new uniforms actually look decades older than the current uniforms. This is what I imagine a 90s version of the current uniform would have looked like. Same DNA, but the differences are noticeable. If 'retro' is what they were seeking, I guess they achieved it, but not in an entirely pleasing way. I don't hate it, but I don't much love it either...
For once we're on the same wavelength, Lucky. I also thought these new uniforms actually look decades older than the current uniforms. This is what I imagine a 90s version of the current uniform would have looked like. Same DNA, but the differences are noticeable. If 'retro' is what they were seeking, I guess they achieved it, but not in an entirely pleasing way. I don't hate it, but I don't much love it either (still prefer the current uniform). However, the upcoming Riyadh Air uniforms leaves the Emirates uniforms for dead. Now, there's a case of retro done right.
Groundbreaking.
Ben, does Emirates fly directly to chicago with the A380? If so is there good award space? Do you think I should fly Chicago-Dubai-Frankfurt-Male for a mileage run or Chicago-Los Angeles-Frankfurt-Singapore? THANK YOU SOOO MUCH
Emirates flies a triple 7 to chicago. Never seen the 380 scheduled on that route though maybe i missed it. Try yyz, jfk, lax, sfo. Mileage run depends on which class you book, price, who you are flying and which airline you attribute it to.
Emirates rarely if ever flies the A380 to ORD. Pretty much a 777. But, the planes being used (for now) have the new 1-1-1 first class and the 1-2-1 business class, so at least you know it'll be the new seats in all classes.