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Emirates appointed Khalid Al Zarooni as its new country manager for the Philippines, where he will oversee the airline’s commercial operations in the country
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Al Zarooni joined Emirates in 2006 and most recently served as vice president for Saudi Arabia, a post he has held since 2024
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His nearly 20-year career with Emirates spans commercial and leadership roles in Cyprus, Uganda, Tanzania, Morocco, Greece, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia
Emirates has appointed Khalid Al Zarooni as its new country manager for the Philippines, where he will oversee the airline’s commercial operations, the carrier announced.
Al Zarooni joined Emirates in 2006 and has built an international career spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He most recently served as the airline’s Vice President for Saudi Arabia, a role he assumed in 2024.
Al Zarooni has spent nearly 20 years with Emirates, occupying various commercial and leadership roles in countries such as Cyprus, Uganda, Tanzania, Morocco, Greece, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. His expertise includes developing commercial strategies, managing corporate sales, engaging stakeholders, and handling government relations. He has also led diverse multicultural teams across different international markets.
His leadership has drawn recognition across the Emirates network, with his teams winning the “Top Sales Team Award” in Morocco and the “Top Corporate Award” in Saudi Arabia.
While in Greece, he was elected president and chairperson of the airline representatives by the foreign airline community, becoming the youngest to hold this role. This election demonstrated industry peers’ confidence in his professionalism, honesty, and transparent approach, according to Emirates.
Al Zarooni holds an MBA from the University of Wolverhampton in England.
“The Philippines has long been one of Emirates’ key markets in Southeast Asia,” said Al Zarooni. “Building on Emirates’ 36-year presence in the country, I look forward to working with our customers, travel trade partners and stakeholders to unlock new opportunities for growth and further strengthen Emirates’ position in the market.”
The appointment comes after Emirates increased its services through Manila, Cebu, and Clark to 32 weekly flights earlier this year, connecting customers across the Philippines to its global network via its central hub in Dubai.
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