Compare / EK vs SV
Emirates vs Saudia
Two very different offers for the same job. Here is what actually separates Emirates and Saudia for cabin crew — pay, roster, rules and who each one suits.
Emirates
EK · Dubai
8.3
crew score
Saudia
SV · Jeddah
6.4
crew score
Choose Emirates if…
- ✓Starting pay is higher — about 27% more per month
- ✓Faster progression (career 8.2 vs 7.0)
- ✓Kinder roster (7.3 vs 6.2)
- ✓Better layovers and lifestyle (8.8 vs 6.0)
- ✓Easier life at base (8.7 vs 6.0)
Choose Saudia if…
- The two are closely matched on the measures we track.
Side by side
| Emirates | Saudia | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pay / month | $2,700-$3,400 | $2,100-$2,700 |
| Senior pay / month | $3,800-$5,200 | $3,000-$3,800 |
| Tax-free | Yes | Yes |
| Housing | Company housing | Company housing |
| Base | Dubai | Jeddah |
| Type | Full-service | Full-service |
| Fleet | ~260 | ~145 |
| Destinations | ~140 | ~100 |
| Alliance | None | SkyTeam |
| Minimum age | 21 | 21 |
| Reach / height | 212 cm reach | 212 cm reach |
| Visible tattoos | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Language beyond English | None required | None required |
Crew scores compared
Emirates
Saudia
Apply
Emirates
Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.
Saudia
Recruiting Saudi and international cabin crew through 2026 as new 787s and A321neos arrive under the Vision 2030 fleet expansion.
Still torn? Let the data decide.
Tax-free money or home every night? Fast promotion or a calm roster? Seven questions, ranked against pay, lifestyle, career and hiring data.
Frequently asked questions
Does Emirates or Saudia pay cabin crew more?
Emirates pays more at entry level: about $2,700-$3,400 a month against $2,100-$2,700. Remember to weigh tax status and housing before comparing headline figures.
Which is easier to get into, Emirates or Saudia?
Emirates is actively hiring (Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.) while Saudia is actively hiring (Recruiting Saudi and international cabin crew through 2026 as new 787s and A321neos arrive under the Vision 2030 fleet expansion.) Requirements differ too — check both requirement pages before deciding where to spend your effort.
Emirates or Saudia — which is better for a first cabin crew job?
Emirates scores higher overall in our index (8.3 vs 6.4), but "better" depends on what you want: money, roster, promotion speed or where you live. The reasons listed above split it by priority.