Zara Higgins has been appointed as the General Manager of Arjaa ATPI in Saudi Arabia, signifying a major milestone in both leadership and the corporate travel industry. This marks the first time a woman has been named to the top role at the company and in the Kingdom’s business travel sector.
The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 plan, which includes targets for economic diversification and women’s empowerment. Higgins’ new position is seen as a clear signal of that shift and an important moment for Arjaa ATPI, a joint venture between global travel management firm ATPI and Saudi-based Al Majdouie Group.
As General Manager, Higgins will lead operations across the Kingdom, focusing on scaling the business, delivering tech-driven travel solutions, and growing a high-performing local team. Her work will centre on streamlining corporate travel services and improving the overall experience for clients through digital tools and innovation.
In addition to this new role, she will continue as Global Head of Energy for the ATPI Group, a dual position that allows her to combine international experience with a strong focus on local expansion. Her leadership is expected to strengthen ATPI’s position across both regions.
The appointment has been welcomed as a reflection of Al Majdouie Group’s progressive stance and long-standing support for women in leadership roles, in line with Vision 2030.
Her leadership is seen as more than just symbolic. It represents a deliberate move to position Arjaa ATPI as a leader in the region’s rapidly evolving travel sector, one that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider transformation goals.
Zara has expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “Being appointed to lead the operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at such a transformative time is a real privilege,” she said. “This is an incredible time to be joining the business as Saudi Arabia is a market with significant opportunities, innovation, and ambition. I am committed to supporting our team, clients, and the industry with cutting-edge travel solutions, through investing in local talent and technology. My ambition is for Arjaa ATPI to lead the way and transform the business travel sector across the Kingdom.”
Saudi Arabia’s travel and logistics market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as infrastructure, trade, and business networks continue to evolve under Vision 2030. Arjaa ATPI, with its strengthened leadership, is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand from both domestic and international businesses.
Her dual roles within ATPI globally and regionally also mean she is uniquely placed to drive forward innovation while ensuring that local operations remain closely connected to international best practices.
In a country undergoing significant transformation, Zara Higgins’ appointment signals both progress and potential, bringing together global leadership, local impact, and a shared ambition to reshape the future of business travel in Saudi Arabia.
