UX/UI Desinger

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Etihad Airways

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Digital Experience Design / Product Design

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth and digital share expansion through intelligent, AI-embedded digital experiences across web and app platforms.

• Own the end-to-end digital experience lifecycle, from discovery and problem framing through design, build collaboration, testing, go-live, and ongoing optimization.

• Translate business strategy and commercial objectives into customer-centric digital journeys that enhance engagement, retention, and operational efficiency.

• Design and implement AI-enabled and data-driven experiences, including personalization, predictive recommendations, and conversational interfaces, to elevate the customer lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Etihad Airways' Revenue & Commercial Division, emphasizing a direct impact on business outcomes through digital product design. The emphasis on AI and data-driven experiences suggests a forward-thinking approach to customer engagement in the competitive aviation sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the experience strategy and design vision for assigned digital initiatives, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and the "Journey 2030" ambition.

• Lead discovery, research, journey mapping, usability testing, and experimentation to validate and optimize experience outcomes across web and app touchpoints.

• Design AI-enabled and data-driven experiences, including personalization, predictive recommendations, and conversational interfaces, to enhance customer interaction.

• Continuously monitor and improve key performance metrics such as conversion rates, engagement, retention, revenue contribution, and customer satisfaction.

• Simplify complex transactional or service-based digital journeys into intuitive and frictionless user flows.

• Partner closely with Product, Technology, Commercial, Loyalty, Marketing, Operations, and Brand teams to ensure cohesive and commercially aligned delivery of digital products.

• Contribute to and evolve scalable design systems, governance standards, and best practices across all digital touchpoints.

• Advocate for accessibility, usability, security, and customer trust in all digital experiences, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

• Elevate the organization's maturity in AI-enabled and insight-led experience design through structured experimentation and measurable outcomes.

• Adapt to shifting priorities and take ownership of various digital experience domains as required to meet business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a holistic ownership of the design process, from strategic ideation to post-launch optimization. The integration of AI and data-driven insights is a core expectation, requiring a candidate who can leverage these technologies to achieve measurable business impact within the aviation and travel sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience. Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Digital Experience Design (UX/UI/Product Design) within high-scale digital ecosystems.

• Proven track record of delivering complex transactional or service-based digital journeys with demonstrable business impact.

• Experience working in Agile development environments and close collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience within ecommerce, travel, loyalty programs, fintech, or other high-conversion digital platforms is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• UX Design: Expertise in user research, persona development, journey mapping, wireframing, and information architecture.

• UI Design: Proficiency in visual design principles, creating intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interfaces, and developing style guides.

• Product Design: Ability to translate business requirements into user-centered product solutions.

• AI Design Literacy: Understanding and experience in designing AI-enabled features such as personalization, predictive recommendations, and conversational interfaces.

• Data-driven Design: Ability to leverage analytics and user data to inform design decisions and optimize experiences.

• Usability Testing: Skilled in planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests to gather user feedback and iterate on designs.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Scrum or Kanban frameworks, participating in sprints, and collaborating with cross-functional Agile teams.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and design for complex digital ecosystems, considering the interconnectedness of various components.

• Prototyping: Proficiency with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to create interactive mockups for user testing and stakeholder review.

• Conversion Optimization: Understanding of A/B testing principles and experience in optimizing digital flows to improve conversion rates.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to communicate design rationale, influence decisions, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or maintaining scalable design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across digital products.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the aviation or travel industry.

• Familiarity with conversational AI and chatbot design principles.

• Experience with journey orchestration platforms.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-enabled and data-driven experiences, coupled with a preference for e-commerce and travel backgrounds, suggests that candidates with a strong understanding of customer lifecycle management and conversion optimization in digital environments will be highly valued. The requirement for a strong portfolio is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end ownership of digital experiences, from initial discovery and problem framing through to launch and post-launch optimization.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the business problem, the design process followed, the solutions proposed, and the measurable impact achieved (e.g., increased conversion, improved engagement, revenue growth).

• Examples of AI-enabled or data-driven design solutions, showcasing how user data and AI capabilities were leveraged to enhance the user experience.

• Documentation of user research, journey mapping, usability testing methodologies, and how insights were translated into design decisions.

• Evidence of collaboration with product managers, engineers, and other cross-functional teams, detailing the candidate's role in the delivery process.

• Prototypes or interactive mockups that showcase the user flows and interaction design of key features. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how complex processes were simplified into intuitive and frictionless digital flows.

• Detail the methodology used for structured experimentation and the process of elevating design maturity through measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate an understanding of Agile workflows and how design processes integrate within these frameworks.

• Illustrate contributions to or the creation of scalable design systems and governance standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, decision-making rationale, and the quantifiable business impact of their work, particularly highlighting experience with AI integration and data-driven optimization within large-scale digital platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX/UI Designers in Abu Dhabi, with 5-10 years of experience in a major airline or digital-first organization, the estimated annual salary range would be AED 250,000 - AED 400,000. This range accounts for the specialized skills in AI-enabled design, e-commerce, and the cost of living in Abu Dhabi. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Competitive annual leave allowance.

• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits.

• Employee discounts on flights and related travel services.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Relocation assistance may be provided for international candidates.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and Agile team schedules. The role is on-site in Abu Dhabi.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on market research for UX/UI Design roles in Abu Dhabi, considering the seniority and specialized skills required. Benefits are typical for major international companies in the region. The "Revenue & Commercial Division" context suggests potential for performance-related compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation & Travel. Etihad Airways is a global leader in the aviation industry, focused on connecting people and cultures while driving innovation in customer experience and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Etihad Airways is a major international airline with thousands of employees worldwide). This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact due to the scale of operations.

Founded: 2003. Etihad Airways is a relatively young but rapidly growing airline, with a clear strategic vision ("Journey 2030") focused on expansion and excellence.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a Digital Experience Design team within the broader Revenue & Commercial Division.

• This team will collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Commercial Strategy, and potentially Loyalty and Operations teams.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Head of Digital Product, with direct reporting lines to this individual. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: A strong emphasis on using customer data, analytics, and AI to inform design decisions and measure the impact of digital experiences.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing and streamlining customer journeys for efficiency, ease of use, and commercial effectiveness.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and implementing AI and automation to enhance both customer experiences and internal operational efficiencies.

Company Website: https://www.etihad.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large, established airline like Etihad Airways means candidates will be part of a significant operation with a clear strategic direction. The culture likely blends traditional corporate structures with a drive for innovation, particularly in digital customer experiences, to achieve ambitious growth targets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Digital Experience Design function. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex design initiatives with a focus on business outcomes. The "5+ years" requirement places it beyond an entry-level or junior designer role.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Revenue & Commercial Division. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance, while also providing exposure to senior leadership and commercial strategy. Collaboration will be extensive across product, technology, and commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The role is designed to have a direct and measurable impact on revenue generation, customer acquisition and retention, and operational efficiency through the design and optimization of digital platforms. The focus on AI and data-driven experiences underscores the strategic importance of this position in driving business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-enabled design, personalization strategies, and advanced analytics for customer experience optimization.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Senior UX/UI Designer role, Lead Designer, or Product Design Manager positions, overseeing teams and larger strategic initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of airline operations, commercial strategies, and loyalty programs, broadening understanding of the aviation business.

• Industry Specialization: Become a recognized expert in designing digital experiences for the travel and aviation sector, particularly with AI integration.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of the design practice within Etihad Airways.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for career progression within a leading airline, with a clear path toward leadership and specialization in cutting-edge digital design practices. The emphasis on commercial impact and AI integration positions this role as a strategic contributor to Etihad's future growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Etihad Airways operates from a modern, professional office environment in Abu Dhabi, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a strong infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will facilitate close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing Specialists, and Commercial Analysts. Open-plan areas and meeting rooms are likely available.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially internal company tools for analytics and project management.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews are integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet project deadlines or participate in global team interactions, though the core work will be within standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Abu Dhabi is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, collaborative office environment that supports intensive cross-functional teamwork, essential for delivering complex digital products in a fast-paced industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience, skills, and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and the impact of their work. This will be followed by technical questions related to UX/UI principles, AI design, and problem-solving.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially stakeholders from Marketing or Commercial teams to assess collaboration skills, communication, and strategic alignment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and overall suitability for the role and team.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potentially): A practical exercise to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to deliver within constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, AI/data-driven experience design, and commercial impact.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the solution, and the measurable results (quantify impact with data where possible).

• Highlight AI & Data: Explicitly point out how AI and data were used to inform your design decisions and improve outcomes.

• Showcase Collaboration: Describe how you worked with other teams and stakeholders, and how you navigated feedback.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, rationale, and the challenges you faced.

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Explain how your designs fit into the larger digital ecosystem and design system.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common UX/UI design challenges, focusing on e-commerce, travel, or service-based platforms.

• Practice articulating your thought process and design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Be prepared to think aloud and justify your approach, even if you don't have a complete solution.

• Research Etihad Airways' current digital offerings to understand their context and potential areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate the link between design decisions and business outcomes. Candidates should focus on showcasing their strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and practical experience with AI and data-driven design within large-scale digital products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal platforms for conducting and analyzing user research and usability tests.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for Agile workflow management and team communication.

• Design Systems: Experience with or contribution to design system libraries within tools like Figma, Sketch, or dedicated platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to track user behavior, conversion rates, and engagement metrics.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and presenting data insights to stakeholders.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Optimizely, VWO, or similar tools for running experiments and optimizing digital experiences.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX/UI, an understanding of how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Adobe Marketing Cloud) can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with AI/ML platforms or tools that enable personalization and predictive recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools is a baseline requirement. The ability to interpret data from analytics platforms and leverage A/B testing results to inform design iterations is crucial, highlighting the data-driven nature of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through intuitive and effective digital experiences.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on data, insights, and experimentation to guide design strategies and measure success.

• Innovation & AI Integration: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to create intelligent and adaptive customer journeys.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared commercial and operational goals.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Striving for high-quality design solutions and a culture of ongoing optimization and learning.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Designing solutions that are not only user-friendly but also efficient to implement and maintain, contributing to scalable design systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing design progress, insights, and challenges with product, engineering, and commercial teams.

• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in open and honest design critiques, providing and receiving feedback to elevate the quality of work.

• Agile Integration: Seamlessly integrating design processes within Agile sprints, adapting to iterative development cycles.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Actively seeking to understand stakeholder needs and perspectives, ensuring design solutions meet diverse business objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's collective knowledge through documentation, presentations, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Etihad Airways, particularly within the Revenue & Commercial Division, likely emphasizes a results-oriented approach where collaboration, data, and innovation are key drivers of success. Designers are expected to be proactive partners who can translate strategic goals into tangible digital experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy Systems: Integrating cutting-edge AI features and user-centric designs within a large, established airline's existing technology infrastructure can be complex.

• Navigating Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring consensus and buy-in from various departments (Commercial, Operations, Brand, IT) with potentially differing priorities.

• Measuring AI Impact: Quantifying the precise ROI and user experience improvements driven by AI-powered features, which can be more nuanced than traditional metrics.

• Adapting to Evolving AI Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in AI and determining how to best apply them to enhance the customer journey within the aviation context.

• Global User Diversity: Designing experiences that cater to a diverse, international customer base with varying cultural expectations and technological access.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in CX Specialization: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in applying AI and machine learning to customer experience design within the travel industry.

• Advanced Analytics & Experimentation: Deepen skills in A/B testing, multivariate testing, and advanced data analysis to drive continuous optimization.

• Leadership Track: Potential for progression into senior design leadership roles, managing teams and shaping design strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and training programs focused on digital transformation, AI in CX, and aviation innovation.

• Cross-functional Rotations/Projects: Opportunities to work on projects that span different areas of the business, gaining a holistic understanding of airline operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle complex design challenges at the intersection of aviation, AI, and customer experience. The company's strategic focus on "Journey 2030" suggests a commitment to investing in talent and innovation, offering substantial growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed an AI-enabled feature. What was the problem, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, rationale, and measurable results).

• "How do you balance user needs with commercial objectives in your design process? Provide an example." (Demonstrate commercial acumen and user-advocacy).

• "Imagine we want to personalize the flight booking experience using AI. What are the first steps you would take as a UX/UI Designer?" (Showcase your strategic thinking, research approach, and understanding of AI applications).

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and align with existing design systems and brand guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of design governance and consistency). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Etihad Airways and the aviation industry, specifically in relation to digital experience design?" (Research "Journey 2030" and company values).

• "How would you approach collaborating with engineering and product teams in an Agile environment to ensure timely delivery of design solutions?" (Emphasize teamwork and Agile experience).

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on a design direction. How did you manage it?" (Showcase your communication and negotiation skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your process and solutions), and end (impact and learnings).

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use metrics like conversion rate increases, engagement improvements, time savings, or revenue generated.

• Explain Your "Why": Be ready to articulate the rationale behind every design decision. Why did you choose a particular approach? What user research supported it?

• Showcase AI/Data Integration: Clearly highlight instances where AI or data analytics played a role in your design process or outcome.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your presentation to be clear, engaging, and within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, emphasizing your strategic approach, your ability to integrate AI and data into design, and your capacity to drive measurable business results. Understanding Etihad's strategic goals and current digital landscape will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position at Etihad Airways:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to digital experience design, AI-enabled features, e-commerce/travel platforms, and Agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases 3-5 of your strongest projects, emphasizing end-to-end ownership, AI/data-driven design, and quantifiable business impact. Prepare a clear narrative for each case study.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Etihad Airways, its "Journey 2030" vision, and its current digital offerings. Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and collaboration style, especially concerning AI and data.

• Network (Optional but Recommended): If possible, connect with current Etihad Airways employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and team dynamics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.