Zain Group reports exceptional performance for 9M 2025

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces its consolidated financial results for the third quarter (Q3) and nine-months (9M) periods ended 30 September 2025. The Group now serves 51.3 million active customers, a 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase.

For 9M 2025, Zain Group reported a 16-year high consolidated revenue of KD 1.7 billion (USD 5.4 billion), an increase of 15% YoY. Consolidated EBITDA reached KD 552 million (USD 1.8 billion), up 9% YoY, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 33%. Net income soared 31% YoY to KD 178 million (USD 581 million), while earnings per share (EPS) stood at 41 fils (USD 0.13).

Board declares 2nd interim cash dividend

“As part of the Group’s commitment to the highest standards of transparency and financial compliance, the Board of Directors continues to review global accounting regulatory frameworks and is currently considering the possibility of implementing International Accounting Standard IAS 29 before the end of the current year.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on total shareholders’ equity, and that the impact on the financial results of the current year, 2025, is expected to be positive. This will be confirmed following the completion of the requirements and implementation of the accounting standard and retaining the option of presenting this matter to the General Assembly for approval.

Due to the robust results of the first nine months of 2025, that saw earnings per share reach an exceptional 41 fils, the Board of Directors has declared a second interim cash dividend of 25 fils per share for profits achieved for period ending September 30, 2025. Registered shareholders will receive payments on November 19. This second interim dividend comes in addition to the earlier interim dividend of 10 fils per share for the first half of 2025. With these two distributions, Zain Group has fulfilled its obligations related to the dividend distribution policy.

This advanced step reflects the strength of Zain Group’s financial position and high liquidity. It also highlights the successful execution of the 4WARD business strategy and leadership position across Zain’s markets.

Chairman’s Strategic Outlook

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zain Group, Mr. Osamah Al Furaih said, “Our operations have shown great resilience to grow market share despite many competitive and socio-economic challenges they face. The Board is focused on supporting management execute key business strategies and ESG practices on the back of vast investments in technologies, digital infrastructure, new business verticals as well as in Sustainability related and customer experience initiatives. This collaborative effort has positioned Zain as the digital service operator of choice for consumers, enterprises, and government.”

Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice- Chairman and Group CEO commented, “Diligent implementation of the 4WARD strategy and AI initiatives is accelerating rollout of digital services, operational efficiencies and revenue growth across all aspects of the business. Our collaborative efforts have seen most of our operations all report robust year-on-year growth in their key financial metrics, as have our strategic business verticals, namely ZainTECH, Zain Omantel International (ZOI) and in our Fintech and Digital Services entities. These comprehensive efforts have resulted in Zain recording 16-year revenue highs for both the 3M and 9M periods.”

Recognition as a Top Employer

“Our recent ranking in Forbes “World’s Best Employers” list, whereby Zain ranked first in the regional Telecom sector, as well first in Kuwait and among top three employers in the Middle East, reflects how serious we are in taking responsible business action by building a thriving, inclusive and diverse workplace, creating the workplace and world we all want. Beyond providing life-enriching digital services and embedding sustainability and meaningful connectivity in every aspect of our business, Zain is committed to fostering an ecosystem that drives systemic change across our footprint.”

“We were delighted to play a critical role in Kuwait setting a Guinness World Records title for the farthest intercontinental remote robotic surgery over 12,000 km. This global medical achievement, alongside national institutions reaffirms our leadership in driving digital transformation in the healthcare sector in Kuwait and beyond. This achievement is not only a world record, but also a serious step toward a thriving digital future in which we harness technology to serve people, from our markets to the world. It also reflects the purpose we have embraced at Zain to deliver ‘Lasting Connections and Better Lives.”

ESG Leadership and Governance

“Zain Group’s MSCI rating for ESG upgrading to ‘A’ also reflects the success of our transformative ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ strategy in driving the company’s sustainability, corporate governance and ethical leadership agenda to new heights. This upgrade reaffirms the success of the company’s focus on innovation and responsibility, powered by a resilient, sustainable and data-powered ecosystem.”

“With the aim of enhancing the purpose of innovation, we expanded the Zain Great Idea (ZGI) Accelerator program expands across the region, from Kuwait to now include Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Expanding ZGI across our footprint, powered by Zain Ventures and ZainTECH, is a natural evolution of our commitment to nurturing regional talent and driving meaningful change.”

“The fifth consecutive award of receiving the ‘Best Corporate Governance in Kuwait’ award from World Finance reflects the depth and consistency of our ethical, compliant and transparent standards providing stakeholders, including investors, with the confidence that the company is being run in a compliant and transparent manner. Solid corporate governance is the backbone to our strategy and regional appeal in driving continued growth and success, that has attracted ongoing praise and admiration from shareholders, industry analysts, and regulatory authorities.”