<p>Emirates on Thursday announced the appointment of Khalid Al Zarooni as its new country manager, as the airline seeks to strengthen its presence in the Philippines.</p><p>Al Zarooni joined Emirates in 2006 and most recently served as vice president for Saudi Arabia, a role he assumed in 2024. His international career spans Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.</p><p>“The Philippines has long been one of Emirates’ key markets in Southeast Asia,” he said in an emailed statement.</p><p>“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,” he added.</p><p>Al Zarooni has held commercial and leadership roles in Cyprus, Uganda, Tanzania, Morocco, Greece, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, covering commercial strategy, corporate sales, and stakeholder engagement and government relations.</p><p>He was also elected president and chairperson of the Board of Airline Representatives by the foreign airline community, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.</p><p>Emirates expanded its operations in the Philippines this year, increasing its services across Manila, Cebu, and Clark to 32 weekly flights. —<strong>VBL GMA News</strong></p>.
Emirates taps Khalid Al Zarooni as Philippines country manager
The appointment signals the carrier's intent to deepen its footprint in the archipelago market, a key growth corridor for Middle Eastern airlines.