Emirates appoints Khalid Al Zarooni as Philippines country manager

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.

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.

“The Philippines has long been one of Emirates’ key markets in Southeast Asia,” he said in an emailed statement.

“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.

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.

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.

Emirates expanded its operations in the Philippines this year, increasing its services across Manila, Cebu, and Clark to 32 weekly flights. —VBL, GMA News