Aramex has appointed logistics industry veteran Faysal El Hajjami as its new chief commercial officer (CCO), strengthening its executive leadership as the Dubai-headquartered logistics company accelerates its global growth strategy.

Based in Dubai, El Hajjami will lead Aramex’s global commercial agenda, overseeing commercial strategy and execution, customer growth, sales, pricing, and strategic account management across the company’s international network.

He joins Aramex from DHL Express, where he most recently served as vice president commercial for the Middle East and North Africa. In that role, he oversaw commercial strategy across a significant regional revenue portfolio and was a member of DHL’s Global Commercial Executive Committee.

El Hajjami brings more than 25 years of experience in the international express and logistics sector, with expertise spanning commercial strategy, sales, pricing, product development, aviation, trade lanes and general management.

Amadou Diallo, Group CEO of Aramex, said: “We are delighted to welcome Faysal to Aramex. He brings an exceptional depth of commercial and logistics experience, together with a proven ability to drive profitable growth and lead transformation across complex international markets.

“As we continue to strengthen our global commercial capabilities and deepen the value we deliver to customers, Faysal’s expertise will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as we continue to execute our growth ambitions with the Accelerate program.”

Commenting on his appointment, El Hajjami said: “I am excited to be joining Aramex at such an important point in its journey. Aramex has a strong global brand, an entrepreneurial culture and a network that connects customers across some of the world’s most dynamic trade markets.

“I look forward to working with teams across the organisation to build on these strengths, deepen our customer relationships and further strengthen commercial excellence across the business. Above all, I am excited by the opportunity to help shape the next phase of sustainable, profitable growth for Aramex and its customers.”

Separately, Aramex announced that Tim Martin has been appointed Regional CEO, West, following El Hajjami’s move into the CCO role. The company said it looks forward to Martin’s continued contribution as it advances its long-term growth ambitions.

Nearly 90 per cent of electric vehicle repairs handled through Electric Vehicle Services’ (EVS) UAE network are completed within two weeks. However, shortages of specialist parts and the complexity of some repairs continue to create longer delays, according to data released by AI-driven insurtech firm Shory and EVS.

The companies said up to 45 per cent of repairs handled by the network were completed within three days, while between 65 and 75 per cent were finished within one week.

Routine servicing and minor repairs typically take between one and two days, according to the analysis.

More complex work involving high-voltage batteries, power electronics, charging systems and software diagnostics can take considerably longer and requires specialist equipment, safety procedures and trained technicians.

Lead times for some high-voltage battery components can stretch to between four and 12 weeks or longer because of reliance on global supply chains, the companies said.

The findings highlight a growing challenge for the UAE automotive sector as electric vehicle adoption increases and the aftersales industry adapts to the different technical requirements of battery-powered vehicles.

Shory cited research from Astute Analytica that said only 15 per cent of repair shops in the UAE currently have EV-trained technicians.

Aoun Al Smadi, CEO of Shory UAE, said a gap remained between consumer expectations and the realities of maintaining and repairing electric vehicles.

“Many drivers expect a simpler maintenance experience, which is true for routine servicing, but the reality is that more advanced repairs require a completely different ecosystem, from specialised diagnostics to integrated repair networks,” Al Smadi said.

He said insurers could play a greater role in improving transparency and giving customers more predictability around the repair process.

Saeed Aljunaibi, founder and CEO of EVS, said access to parts and appropriately trained technicians was critical to reducing the time vehicles spend off the road.

“The biggest challenge after an accident isn’t identifying the damage, it’s having the right infrastructure to repair the vehicle properly,” he said.

EVS said it had invested in EV spare-parts inventory, specialist equipment and repair capabilities in the UAE as it seeks to reduce repair times.

The companies said closer integration between insurers, repair networks and supply chains would become increasingly important as the country’s electric vehicle fleet expands.

Shory offers motor, home, health and pet insurance in the UAE. It is part of First.tech and Judan Financial Holding, IHC’s financial services platform.

Read: Oman sets EV charging fees from October: How much will drivers pay?

Global programme management consultancy Turner & Townsend has appointed Leila Taghavi as head of Infrastructure for Saudi Arabia, as the firm expands its leadership team to support growing demand for major infrastructure programmes across the Kingdom.

Based in Saudi Arabia, Taghavi will lead Turner & Townsend’s infrastructure business across key sectors including rail, roads, ports, water, aviation and defence, supporting projects aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic transformation agenda.

The appointment comes as Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate investment in large-scale transport, logistics and urban infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening connectivity.

Taghavi brings more than 20 years of international experience delivering complex infrastructure programmes across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Before joining Turner & Townsend, she held consultancy and client-side leadership roles, including at Transport for New South Wales, where she was involved in programme delivery, governance and assurance for major capital projects.

Since relocating to the Middle East, she has contributed to several of Turner & Townsend’s transport, aviation, urban development and destination projects in Saudi Arabia.

Graeme Baxter, regional head of Infrastructure, Middle East at Turner & Townsend, said: “Infrastructure represents a significant growth opportunity for Turner & Townsend across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Leila’s decades of experience leading complex capital programmes, proven track record across services our clients value most, and extensive expertise will position her well as we embark on this next phase of growth.

“We pride ourselves on investing in world-class leadership at Turner & Townsend, as we move further and faster to expand our presence across the region.”

Commenting on her appointment, Taghavi said: “Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, driving the creation of nationally significant schemes that will have a lasting impact on connectivity, economic growth and future generations. Turner & Townsend’s reputation for delivering major programmes and excellent client outcomes provides a strong platform for continued expansion. I look forward to working with our clients to help bring to life transformational infrastructure projects across the Kingdom.”

Rakbank has unveiled a new brand identity as it looks to strengthen its position as one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions, marking the latest step in its digital transformation and long-term growth strategy.

The rebrand reflects the bank’s evolution over the past five decades from a community-focused lender into a diversified financial institution serving more than 250,000 businesses, alongside expanding its wholesale banking and wealth management operations.

Rather than a purely visual refresh, the bank said the new identity reinforces its commitment to combining digital innovation with personalised banking services, under the theme “Digital with a Human Touch”.

Raheel Ahmed, group chief executive officer of Rakbank, said: “For 50 years, our brand has stood for trust, innovation and expertise. As we evolve, we are not just modernising how we look. We are rehumanising Rakbank itself.

“Our brand is not built by a logo. It is built by the way our people welcome, listen, care and take ownership every single day. It is shaped by 55 nationalities and five generations working together, united by a shared belief that banking must remain human.

“Technology gives speed, but people give confidence. When customers are buying their first home, growing a business or planning their wealth, they want both digital efficiency and human reassurance. They should never have to choose between the two.”

The bank said the refreshed identity reflects its ambition to deepen customer relationships while continuing to invest in digital capabilities and artificial intelligence.

As part of its transformation, Rakbank’s digital channels have recorded more than 50 million logins, while its in-app digital assistant, rai, now supports more than 270,000 users with personalised services.

The bank also highlighted the growth of Skiply, its digital school payments platform, which serves more than 350,000 students and their families, alongside its Microfinance programme, which has issued more than 590,000 loans to support financial inclusion.

The new brand introduces an updated logo inspired by Rakbank’s heritage, refreshed typography, a more customer-focused tone of voice and an enhanced mobile banking experience designed to simplify customer journeys across digital and physical channels.

The rollout extends across branches, payment cards, digital platforms and customer communications as the lender continues to expand its SME, wealth and wholesale banking businesses while supporting the UAE’s long-term economic vision.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement addressing media reporting and speculation concerning conversations between government leaders.

The ministry said the UAE Government does not comment on such reports or speculation, while reiterating its focus on de-escalation and regional stability.

The statement said in full:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores that the UAE Government does not comment on media stories or speculation regarding conversations between government leaders.

The UAE’s engagement since October 7 was consistently directed toward de-escalation, regional stability and preventing violence.

UAE and Israeli government entities have maintained open and direct lines of communication since the inception of the relationship more than five years ago. When necessary, all relevant intelligence has been and continues to be communicated between the relevant entities.”

The statement was published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 8.