From Emirates crew to Dubai entrepreneur, her journey shows resilience, reinvention, grit

Last updated: May 14, 2026 | 07:30

Dubai-based Indonesian expat Sylvana Sari Supplied

Dubai: When Indonesian expatriate Sylvana Sari arrived in the UAE in 2014, she joined Emirates Airline as a cabin crew member, stepping into a fast-paced, multicultural environment that would go on to define much of her life.

Working in aviation has exposed her to passengers from around the world and shaped how she viewed people, service, and hospitality.

"Being in Dubai and working in a company where we see many different cultures really shaped my personality to be more independent, adaptable, and resilient," Sari told Gulf News.

Then Covid-19 hit, leaving many jobless including her. But she has chosen to stay.…