Saudi Arabia has made a significant leap forward in both corporate leadership and business travel management with the appointment of Zara Higgins as the new General Manager of Arjaa ATPI. This milestone is not only groundbreaking for Arjaa ATPI, a joint venture between the global travel management leader ATPI and the respected Al Majdouie Group, but it also symbolizes a step forward for women in leadership roles within the Kingdom. Zara’s appointment marks a momentous achievement, as she becomes the first female leader in Arjaa ATPI’s history, and within Saudi Arabia’s corporate travel sector. Her leadership comes at a time when the Kingdom is embracing Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, women’s empowerment, and inclusivity.
As General Manager, Zara will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations in Saudi Arabia, focusing on providing advanced business travel solutions, driving strategic growth, and building a high-performing local team. One of her main objectives will be deploying cutting-edge travel technology to enhance service efficiency and improve the overall client experience.
Zara’s appointment is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with the progressive leadership of the Al Majdouie Group, which has long been at the forefront of change in Saudi Arabia. The company’s commitment to empowering women in leadership is a direct reflection of the social and economic transformations envisioned by Vision 2030. This initiative to elevate women in business and leadership roles is helping to shape a more inclusive workforce, where women can actively contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic and social growth.
“This appointment is an incredible privilege for me,” said Zara. “Being appointed to lead operations in Saudi Arabia at such a transformative time is exciting. This is a market with significant opportunities, innovation, and ambition, and I am committed to supporting our team and clients with state-of-the-art travel solutions. I want Arjaa ATPI to lead the way in transforming the business travel sector in Saudi Arabia, and I believe the growth potential here is immense.”
Zara’s new role is not only symbolic but also strategic. Under her leadership, Arjaa ATPI will focus on automation, sustainability, and duty of care—all core values that are central to the company’s mission of providing world-class travel solutions to businesses in Saudi Arabia. As the country’s market continues to scale and modernize in alignment with Vision 2030’s broader goals, Arjaa ATPI will play a pivotal role in helping businesses optimize their travel operations and create more sustainable, efficient processes.
Lynn Coutts, the Managing Director for the Middle East at ATPI, expressed her confidence in Zara’s abilities and the impact she will have on the region. “Zara’s appointment is a proud moment for Arjaa ATPI,” said Coutts. “She brings with her a wealth of experience, a strong focus on innovation, and a collaborative leadership style that perfectly aligns with our goals in Saudi Arabia. We are excited to see her lead the team and make a lasting impact on our operations in the Kingdom.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its Vision 2030 ambitions, it becomes clear that the country’s economic and social transformations are not just about infrastructure and investment but also about creating an environment where diversity and innovation thrive. Zara’s leadership at Arjaa ATPI is a testament to how the Kingdom is fostering change, making it a beacon of progress in the Middle East, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors like business travel.
Arjaa ATPI, formed through the strategic partnership between ATPI and the Al Majdouie Group, provides clients in Saudi Arabia with access to world-class travel management services. The joint venture combines ATPI’s global network and technology leadership with the Al Majdouie Group’s deep-rooted expertise in the Kingdom. This synergy enables Arjaa ATPI to offer a seamless blend of international capabilities and local insights, making it well-positioned to support Saudi businesses in their travel operations.
For Zara, this new chapter is just the beginning. She is determined to make her mark and ensure that Arjaa ATPI’s offerings remain agile and aligned with the evolving needs of Saudi businesses. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the company’s strategy in the coming years, with an emphasis on innovation, operational excellence, and enhancing the client experience. Reflecting on her appointment, Zara concluded, “The opportunity to lead Arjaa ATPI’s operations in Saudi Arabia is an incredible privilege. With Vision 2030 creating a wealth of opportunities, I am excited to be part of the Kingdom’s journey toward becoming a global hub for business and innovation. I am committed to supporting our team and clients in achieving their travel goals, while ensuring that we lead the way in transforming the business travel sector.”
As the first female General Manager at Arjaa ATPI and a leader within Saudi Arabia’s corporate travel sector, Zara Higgins represents the future of leadership in a transforming Kingdom. Her appointment stands as a strong statement about the direction in which Saudi Arabia is headed, with greater opportunities for women in leadership and a growing emphasis on sustainable, innovative solutions that align with the goals of Vision 2030.
