Mysterious！Taiwanese flight attendants for UAE airline turn heads；rules ban showing thighs and arms

Reporter You Ru / Reported and photographed from Taipei

Arab airlines are entering Taiwan’s skies, with their inaugural flights in February offering tickets to Europe for just NT$26,000—a price that has many Taiwanese travelers excited. But beyond the affordable fares and premium cabins, flight attendants dressed in traditional Arab attire may be another highlight of this Middle Eastern carrier’s arrival in Taiwan. It is understood that the Dubai-based airline employs around 50 Taiwanese flight attendants, giving local passengers the chance to see Taiwanese women in the elegant uniforms of Arab air hostesses.

 
▲ Chen Yi-an is a cabin crew member recruited by Emirates Airlines in 2008 for service in Taiwan. She currently works in business class and has five years of flying experience.  
With her striking appearance, Chen Yi-an was recruited by Emirates Airlines in 2008 for service in Taiwan and currently works in business class. With five years of flying under her belt, she says, “In all my time working, I’ve only met two other Taiwanese.” Her monthly salary is around NT$100,000. Unlike other international airlines, Emirates provides accommodation for its cabin crew, covering utilities such as water and electricity. Additionally, to cater to passengers of various nationalities, each flight typically includes 7 to 10 cabin crew members of different nationalities, ensuring a diverse team to meet any need.

Emirates cabin crew receive one free flight per year, with other flights available at approximately 20% of the regular fare. To match the uniform colors, flight attendants are required to wear earth-toned eye shadow, along with bold red lipstick, shoes, and hats, creating an air of mystery reminiscent of the Middle East. Chen Yi-an notes that living in Dubai allows her to return to Taiwan every 2 to 3 months. Working in the UAE has significantly broadened her international perspective, different from that of most Taiwanese.


▲ Emirates Airlines is world-renowned for its premium in-flight service. (Photo / Provided by the airline)


▲ The distinctive uniform style of Emirates flight attendants.

Chen Yi-an says that compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Dubai is relatively open, so women are not required to wear headscarves when out and about. However, she advises against wearing overly revealing clothing—shorts and skirts should not expose the knees. “The weather in Dubai is much hotter than in Taiwan—that’s my biggest impression,” Chen says. Thanks to Dubai’s international urban development, the city offers a wide range of international cuisines and shops, making daily life in terms of food, clothing, and shelter very convenient.