Compare / EK vs RX
Emirates vs Riyadh Air
Two very different offers for the same job. Here is what actually separates Emirates and Riyadh Air for cabin crew — pay, roster, rules and who each one suits.
Emirates
EK · Dubai
8.2
crew score
Riyadh Air
RX · Riyadh
7.4
crew score
Choose Emirates if…
- ✓Kinder roster (7.2 vs 6.8)
- ✓Better layovers and lifestyle (8.8 vs 6.8)
- ✓Easier life at base (8.6 vs 6.6)
- ✓Bigger network: ~140 destinations vs ~15
Choose Riyadh Air if…
- ✓Starting pay is higher — about 2% more per month
- ✓Faster progression (career 8.6 vs 8.0)
Side by side
| Emirates | Riyadh Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pay / month | $2,700-$3,400 | $2,800-$3,400 |
| Senior pay / month | $3,800-$5,200 | $3,800-$5,000 |
| Tax-free | Yes | Yes |
| Housing | Company housing | Company housing |
| Base | Dubai | Riyadh |
| Type | Full-service | Full-service |
| Fleet | ~260 | ~10 |
| Destinations | ~140 | ~15 |
| Alliance | None | None |
| 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
Riyadh Air
Apply
Emirates
Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.
Riyadh Air
Large-scale global recruitment events running through 2026 across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America ahead of rapid fleet deliveries.
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 Riyadh Air pay cabin crew more?
Riyadh Air pays more at entry level: about $2,800-$3,400 a month against $2,700-$3,400. Remember to weigh tax status and housing before comparing headline figures.
Which is easier to get into, Emirates or Riyadh Air?
Emirates is actively hiring (Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.) while Riyadh Air is actively hiring (Large-scale global recruitment events running through 2026 across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America ahead of rapid fleet deliveries.) Requirements differ too — check both requirement pages before deciding where to spend your effort.
Emirates or Riyadh Air — which is better for a first cabin crew job?
Emirates scores higher overall in our index (8.2 vs 7.4), but "better" depends on what you want: money, roster, promotion speed or where you live. The reasons listed above split it by priority.