New RGM to head-up Middle East and Africa region

Based at Etihad's Abu Dhabi head office, Mr Abdulhalim is responsible for the airline's sales and revenue management for 14 of the airline's destinations in the Middle East, Levant and Africa.

He has nearly 20 years of airline sales and travel management experience acquired at Gulf Air and other industry-renowned companies across the Middle East.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said:

"We welcome Maen to Etihad and he joins at one of the most exciting times in our short history. Etihad has a strong flight network in the Middle East and Africa and Maen will be central to us looking to grow further in these important regions."

Prior to joining Etihad, Mr Abdulhalim held the position as Gulf Air's general manager in the UAE where he was responsible for the airline's commercial activities. He also held the position of GM for Tanzania between 2003 and 2004 and Lebanon between 2004 and 2005.

Mr Abdulhalim said: "I am thrilled to be joining Etihad Airways and work at the very centre of the airline's operations in Abu Dhabi. It is also a great honour to be responsible for the commercial activities in more than a third of Etihad's global flight network."

Mr Abdulhalim started in his new role on 4 June and has taken over the responsibilities for the Middle East and Africa region from Ian Lovelock who has been appointed to the role of Etihad's regional general manager for sales operations.