Gulf carriers take appearance seriously. Your photo is often the first thing recruiters see, and poor photo quality can end your application instantly. This guide covers exact specifications for Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Saudia pilot applications.
Headshot Requirements
Size: 35mm × 45mm
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
Background: White or light gray
Format: JPEG or PNG
File size: Under 2MB
Expression: Neutral, professional
Full-Length Photo Requirements
Most Gulf carriers also require a full-length photo. This shows your overall presentation and professional appearance.
- Full body visible, head to toe
- Business attire (dark suit, white shirt)
- Hands visible, natural pose
- Plain background (white/gray studio)
- Professional studio lighting
Dress Code by Gender
Men
- Dark navy or charcoal suit
- White dress shirt
- Conservative tie (solid or subtle pattern)
- Clean-shaven or very neat facial hair
- Short, professional haircut
Women
- Dark business suit (skirt or trousers)
- White or light blouse
- Natural makeup
- Hair neat, away from face
- Minimal jewelry
This article covers a few schools. The database has them all.
Verified prices, fleet, airline partnerships, contacts — filterable and sortable. Updated quarterly.
Unlock All Schools — €19.99Common Mistakes
- Selfies or smartphone photos
- Casual clothing or visible brand logos
- Busy backgrounds or outdoor locations
- Poor lighting or shadows on face
- Visible tattoos or piercings
- Outdated photos (more than 6 months old)
Airline-Specific Notes
| Airline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Both headshot and full-length required. Very strict on grooming. |
| Qatar Airways | Headshot primary. Full-length may be requested at assessment. |
| Etihad | Similar to Emirates. Clean-shaven strongly preferred for men. |
| Saudia | Conservative dress emphasized. Full-length often required. |
Create Your Pilot CV
Professional CV templates optimized for airline applications. Match your experience to airline requirements.
Build Your CVPro Tip
Book a professional photographer who specializes in corporate headshots. The €50-100 investment pays for itself when your application makes it past initial screening.