How to Land a Pilot Job in the Middle East in 2025: What Airlines Want & How to Prepare

The Middle East is hiring. Pilots across the globe are watching openings from UAE to Saudi Arabia with interest. But landing the job is not as simple as meeting minimum hours. Each airline has its own checklist, and the competition is serious.

This guide walks you through exactly what Gulf carriers are looking for in 2025, how to stand out, and how to present your flying hours in a way that recruiters actually value.

Step 1: Understand What Middle East Airlines Want in 2025

Gulf carriers are selective, especially post COVID. Here’s what most airlines require as a baseline for expat pilots.

Basic Requirements for Expats

• Valid ATPL (EASA/FAA/ICAO)

• Class 1 Medical as per the respective authority→ See our Class 1 medical guide for UAE (GCAA)→ Saudi Arabia (GACAR)→ Qatar (QCAA)

• English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher

• 1,500+ total hours (even more for command roles)

• On-type hours within last 6–12 months

What Gives You an Edge

• Valid Type Rating on A320, B737, B777, A350, or A380

• Experience in multi-crew, international ops

• Successfully cleared in-house sim assessments

• A well-documented logbook that breaks down hours by role and aircraft

Step 2: Know Where the Jobs Are & What They’re Looking For

🇦🇪 UAE: Emirates & FlyDubai

• Emirates is hiring DECs and FOs for A380 and B777.→ Apply on Emirates Careers

• FlyDubai needs 737 MAX pilots with UAE GCAA validations.→ Apply on FlyDubai Careers
  

Top Roles:

• DEC for B777/A380

• FO/SFO for 737/MAX

• Instructor roles (due to new simulator facilities)
  

🇶🇦 Qatar: Expanding Post-World Cup

• Qatar Airways is hiring across narrow- and wide-body fleets.→ Apply on Qatar Airways Careers
  

Preferred Profiles:

• 1,500+ hours on type

• EASA/ICAO ATPL

• Strong CRM and multicultural adaptability
  

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 in Action

• Saudia and new players like Riyadh Air are expanding fast.→ Apply on Saudia Careers→ Riyadh Air Careers
  

In-Demand:

• FO for A320, B777

• Training Captains & Examiners

• Low-time cadet schemes for Saudi nationals
  

🇴🇲 Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait: Selective but Growing

• Regional operators and business jets are seeing demand rise.

• Focus on experienced captains for A320/B737 and corporate ops.

→ Oman Air Careers→ Gulf Air Careers - Bahrain

Step 3: Salary Expectations in 2025 (USD/month)

While pay varies by operator and seniority, monthly take-home (USD) for foreign pilots usually falls in this range:

Most packages include housing, education, and transportation allowances.

Step 4: Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Application

Recruiters often skip over qualified pilots due to how documents are presented. Watch out for:

• Improper logbook formatting

• Missing regulatory compliance (e.g., not aligned to GCAA/GACAR)

• Outdated CV with inconsistent hours

• Poor breakdown of PIC, SIC, SIM, Night, and IFR time

Step 5: How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

Want to improve your odds beyond just ticking the hours box? Read this next:→ How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired by a Gulf Airline (Wingman Tips)

• Tailor your CV and logbook to each airline

• Highlight recency of experience

• Get familiar with licensing conversions (e.g., GCAA validations)

• Use Wingman Pilot Logbook to showcase your flying in the format recruiters prefer

So… what actually gets you hired?

It’s not just about the hours. Gulf airline recruiters are looking for a few key things: recent flying (have you been active lately?), relevant type experience (do you have time on the aircraft they operate?), and a logbook that’s clean, clear, and easy to read. Basically make their job easier, and they’ll notice you. If your logbook shows all the right info upfront hours on type, recent sims, roles flown you’re already ahead of many others. That’s exactly where Wingman comes in... but more on that in a bit. First, let’s make sure the rest of your profile is in top shape. Wingman Pilot Logbook: Built for Gulf Hiring Standards

Recruiters want clarity. You want a job. Wingman bridges the gap.

With Wingman, you can:

• Auto-import rosters from major GCC airline formats

• Break down hours by aircraft, role, phase of flight

• Generate GCAA, QCAA, GACAR compliant logbooks

• Export recruiter-ready PDF logbooks in seconds
  

Learn more

Bonus Tip: Don't Overlook the Medical Exam

Even qualified pilots can face delays due to medical rejections or missing paperwork.

Each country in the region has different Class 1 medical standards, so preparation matters:

→ UAE: GCAA Class 1 Medical – Tips to Pass → Saudi Arabia: GACA Medical Requirements

These guides explain what to expect, how to prepare, and what documents you’ll need before your medical assessment. Final Thoughts: The Skies Are Open Be Ready

The Gulf is once again a land of opportunity for commercial pilots.

But don’t rely on flight hours alone. Prepare professionally, present clearly, and apply with purpose.

→ Also read: Middle East Pilot Logbook Requirements: Key Differences by Regulator

The skies are open. Your seat is waiting.