A Historic Achievement for Saudi Women and the Tawafa Sector: The First Woman Appointed as Managing Director
In an unprecedented step, Ms. Ezdehar bint Ahmed Khalil Allaf has assumed the position of Managing Director of the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Arab Countries (Ashraqat), becoming the first Saudi woman to hold this leadership position in the Tawafa sector and beyond, a milestone that strengthens the ongoing development of the Hajj and Umrah system and aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 for the empowerment of Saudi women. The company’s transitional board consists of Ezdehar Allaf as Managing Director, alongside Dr. Abdullah Naseer and Mr. Muhammed bin Zakir Khoj as board members.
Ms. Ezdehar Allaf affirmed that the board’s priorities for the coming phase center on implementing governance, transparency, and disclosure standards to reinforce institutional stability; adopting nomination and election criteria approved by the General Assembly, in its capacity as the company’s supreme authority; and preparing all regulatory and administrative requirements for holding new board of directors elections in accordance with best practices and regulatory frameworks, ensuring an orderly institutional transition that strengthens shareholder confidence and long term sustainability.
She further stressed that success and decision making will be measured against indicators, results, and figures, within clearly defined timelines and with continuous evaluation of progress, ensuring higher performance efficiency, improved decision quality, and the highest levels of institutional discipline, thereby reinforcing Ashraqat’s standing in serving the Guests of God (pilgrims), in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.
Ms. Allaf also expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, for enabling the transitional board to assume its responsibilities toward the company, its shareholders, and its clients, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting the stability of economic entities and ensuring the continuity of their operations during the transitional period, following the resignation of the majority of the previous board of directors.
The transitional board draws on diverse leadership, administrative, and financial expertise, led by Ms. Ezdehar Allaf, who brings more than 20 years of professional experience in the banking and economic media sectors, along with her specialization in governance, compliance, and transparency, and her chairmanship of the Transformation and Investment Committees at the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims of Arab Countries (Ashraqat). The board also includes Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulqader Naseer, an expert in business administration, sustainable development, project development and financing, and the management of strategic initiatives and institutional transformation; and Mr. Muhammed bin Zakir Khoj, who possesses more than 30 years of experience in governance, financial management, restructuring, and institutional transformation, having held numerous leadership and advisory positions across the public and private sectors.
