Etihad's KHUTWATY 2025: Empowering Emirati Talent in Aviation

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Etihad Airways recently held its first-ever career fair called KHUTWATY 2025. This event is part of the new UAE National Talent Development Strategy, which aims to help young Emirati people find jobs in aviation and related fields.

The word KHUTWATY means “my step” in Arabic. The event was created to bring the Emirati community closer to Etihad Airways and show them the many career options in aviation. People who came to the fair could learn about different jobs, meet important leaders from Etihad, and get a feel for what it’s like to work there.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, explained that the airline has big plans for the future. They want to double their number of airplanes, fly three times as many passengers, and open 16 new flight routes by 2025. To reach these goals, they need talented and hardworking people. That’s why the National Talent Development Strategy is so important — it helps find and support young Emiratis who want to grow and succeed.

Mr. Neves said that KHUTWATY 2025 is a key step in this plan. It helps connect young Emiratis with exciting career paths at Etihad, allowing them to play a strong role in the UAE’s future.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, the Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad, said the company is very serious about helping Emirati talent grow. It’s not just about hiring people but also about giving them chances to learn, improve, and succeed in a fast-growing airline. She said Etihad is proud to support the next generation of Emiratis in the growing aviation industry. The airline wants to hire over 1,000 Emiratis in different roles over the next five years. Events like KHUTWATY help find talented Emiratis who want to be part of Etihad’s team.

At the career fair, six special programs were introduced. These programs give Emirati Nationals different ways to start or grow their careers in both technical and office jobs:

• Cadet Pilot Programme: A two-year program where students learn about flying both in classrooms and in real planes, in Abu Dhabi and Spain. It helps prepare future pilots for their careers.

• Cadet Technician Programme: This program trains participants to become licensed Aircraft Technicians. It includes studying, passing exams, and hands-on work. Graduates get a license to maintain airplanes.

• Airport Management Programme: Participants learn about airport operations, working both locally and internationally. They get experience in many areas and prepare for leadership roles in airports around the world.

• Bedayati Programme: Designed for new Emirati graduates, this program gives real work experience in different aviation jobs. It helps fresh graduates learn and find job opportunities. Etihad works with groups like the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS) to bring talented graduates into this program.

• MBA Future Leader Programme: A leadership program where Emirati professionals rotate through key airline departments. They work closely with senior leaders, get mentoring, and build skills to become future leaders in aviation.

• Emerging Talent Programme: Made for Emiratis with 1–2 years of work experience, this program offers jobs in important areas like innovation, digital work, finance, and data analysis. It helps young professionals grow in modern, future-focused roles.

KHUTWATY 2025 also gave attendees a chance to talk directly with Etihad’s senior leaders, hiring managers, and industry experts. There were speeches, panel talks, and networking opportunities to help Emiratis find the right career paths.

The event included fun and interactive activities where people learned about Etihad’s values, culture, and goals. There were workshops to teach how to prepare for job applications and interviews, helping Emirati candidates gain confidence and skills to succeed in their careers.

Overall, KHUTWATY 2025 was a big step by Etihad Airways to support Emirati youth and help them take strong steps into their future careers in aviation.