Emirates has moved to strengthen its market position in Africa with several appointments in its commercial operations team. The Dubai-based airline is committed to the recruitment of UAE Nationals and these new appointments are testament to the numerous career opportunities available for Emiratis within the airline.

“This move comes as part of the airline’s strategy to continuously develop and enhance our employees’ capabilities through providing them with new and challenging markets to lead,” said Jean Luc Grillet, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Africa.

“Africa is a market that is constantly evolving and we remain committed to looking at new ways of developing our services and expanding our commercial footprint across the continent,” added Grillet

The management changes for Emirates’ commercial operations in Africa include:

Rashid Al Ardha, new Country Manager Morocco. Al Ardha holds numerous qualifications, including a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology at the American University in Dubai. He started his career with Emirates in 2006 as part of the airline’s successful UAE National Commercial Management Programme, which inducts trainees in Emirates’ commercial, services and operational undertakings. Rashid has held several roles within the Emirates Group, most recently as Country Manager for Sudan.

Saeed Bin Sulaiman, new Country Manager Egypt. Saeed joined Emirates in 2001. His previous experience within the organisation includes heading up the airline’s operations in both Uganda and Qatar. Within these markets, Saeed successfully built and maintained country - wide relationships with political representatives, government officials, regulatory authorities and stakeholders.

Tariq Obaid, new Country Manager Sudan. Tariq holds a higher diploma in E-Business management from the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE.

He started his career with the Emirates Group in 2007 as a college work placement trainee in the Flight Operations Center, where he handled various aircraft& quality audit responsibilities.

He progressed to join the Emirates Group’s commercial management program and took on various roles as a Sales Manager in both Libya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Dammam station, playing an important role in strengthening Emirates’ presence within the markets.

Khalid Al Zarouni, new Country Manager Uganda. Khalid started his career with Emirates in 2006 as part of the airline’s successful UAE National Commercial Management Programme. He completed his outstation training in Singapore and was posted as Manager Cyprus in 2009. Before joining Emirates, Khalid worked in the banking sector for three years.

Abdalla Al Zamani, new Country Manager Ethiopia. Abdalla holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the American University of Sharjah. After graduation, Abdalla had a training in the aviation sector with the Representative Office of the UAE at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada.

Having joined Emirates in 2008 through the company’s dedicated UAE National Commercial Management Trainee programme, Abdalla has since held positions in India and Bangladesh - two of Emirates’ busiest markets.

Abdalla’s most recent position in Emirates was as Sales Manager in the Central Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh.

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