Connect with us

Business

Zain Group reports exceptional Performance for H1 2025: Net Profit soars 49% YoY to reach KD 121m(USD 395m); Revenue grows 14% YoY to reach KD 1.1bn (USD 3.5bn)

Published

on

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: 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 forsecond quarter (Q2) and six-months (H1) ended 30 June 2025. Zain served 50.9million customers at the end H1 2025, a7% increase Year-on-Year (YOY),driven by network restorationin Sudan and expansion in Iraq.

Group Key Performance Indicators (KD and USD) for the first six months (H1) of 2025

Total Managed Active Customersn 50.9 million            n
Revenuen KD 1.1billion       (USD 3.5billion)n
EBITDA n KD 356 million       (USD 1.2 billion)  n
EBITDA Marginn 33%   n
Net Incomen KD 121 million         (USD 395n million)  n
EPSn 28fils n                     (USD 0.09)n

Zain Group H1 2025 revenue soared 14% YoY to reach KD 1.1billion (USD 3.5 billion). EBITDA grew10% YoY to reach KD 356 million (USD 1.2 billion), reflecting an EBITDA margin of 33%. Net income for the first six months soared49% YoY, reaching KD 121 million (USD 395 million).Net income for H1 2025 includes one-time gain of KD 15 million (USD 50 million) on settlement of legal disputeinvolving INWI, of which Zain Group is a 15.5% shareholder (via Zain Al Ajial).H1 2025 Earnings per share stood at 28fils (USD 0.09).

Group Key Performance Indicators (KD and USD) for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025

Total Managed Activen Customersn 50.9n million            n
Revenuen KD 541million       (USD 1.8billion)  n n
EBITDA n KD 186million      (USD 606million)  n
EBITDA Marginn 34%   n
Net Incomen KD 73million         (USD 237million)  n
EPSn 17fils n                     (USD 0.05)n

Zain GroupQ2 2025 revenue grew 13% to reach KD 541million (USD 1.8 billion) compared to Q2 2024. EBITDA reachedKD 186million(USD 606million), reflecting a healthy EBITDA margin of 34%. Net income soared 40% to reach KD 73 million (USD 237 million), reflectingearnings per share of 17fils (USD 0.05).

Key Operational Highlights for H1 2025

1.  The Board declaresinterim dividend of 10 fils per share for the 5thconsecutive year, that will be payable to entitled shareholders on 3September2025.

2.  Customer base increased 7% driven by network restoration in Sudan and site expansion in Iraq

3.  Data revenue grew 8% YoY to reach USD 1.3billion, representing 37% of total Group revenue

4.  Overthe six months, Zain Group invested USD 397million in CAPEX (11% of revenue)

5.  Operations in Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain and Jordan witness impressive growth in 5G revenues

6.  Zain Kuwait and KSA launch 5G Advanced services enhancing digital innovation in these markets

7.  Impressive net profit growth in Sudan (+101%), KSA (+28%) and Iraq (+23%) for H1 2025

8.  Fintech revenue witnessedrobust growth of28% YoY, while transaction volume soared 46% YoY

9.  Groupwide enterprise revenue witnessed 11% growth YoY, as ZainTECH and B2B teams win key business and government accounts, ZainTECH revenue soared 94% YoY

10.     Groupwide digital services witness revenue growth of 7% driven by increase in Sudan and Kuwait

11.     Zain Omantel International (ZOI) records exceptional revenue growth of 324%YoY; receivesmultiple industry awards for its innovative subsea and terrestrial networks

12.     Zain launches ‘Bede’ Fintech Platform in Sudan offering money transfers, airtime top-ups, bill payments, merchant purchases, cash deposits and withdrawals

13.     Launch of “WE ABLE 2030” Vision aiming to safeguard people with disabilities in the ‘AI’ era

14.     Zain Inclusion, Diversity & Equity University(IDEU) program winsprestigious EFMD Excellence Award

15.     Publishedthe 14thannual Sustainability Report, titled ‘The New Paradigm Shift’

Commenting on Q2 and H1 2025 results, Chairman of Zain Group, Mr. Osamah Al Furaih said, “The Group’s strong performance underscores the productivealliance between the Board and executive management teams of all our entities in delivering our ‘4WARD—Progress with Purpose’ strategy. Our focus on acceleration, collaboration, and digital innovation, alongside our ESG commitments, is having comprehensive impact on sustainable value creation for all stakeholders. Moreover, constructive relationships with regulators and key stakeholders arealso driving meaningful connectivity across all customer segments.”

“Following this H1 2025 performance and solid financial position, the Board is pleased to declare a fifth consecutive interim dividend of 10fils per share, in line with our minimum annual dividend policy of 35fils.”

Mr. Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO commented, “Our outstanding operational and financial performance over the past six months is the result of carefully executed strategic investments in network expansion and AI technologies, combined with disciplined cost optimization and focused monetization of our enterprise, fintech, and digital service portfolios. We are committed to sustaining this positive momentum and elevating Zain to even greater heights.”

“Despite fierce competition in our home market of Kuwait—which still delivered solid results—our core operations across all major markets made notable strides. Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, in particular, recordedexceptionaldouble-digit net income growth. Furthermore, our ICT enterprise arm, ZainTECH, and our global wholesale carrier, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), performed exceptionally well, as did our fintech and digital service portfolios across multiple markets.”

Business

Global Economy Shows Signs of Improvement in Q2 2025: AEO

Published

on

By

Global Economy Shows Signs of Improvement in Q2 2025: AEO

Jamal Al-Loughani, Secretary-General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), formerly known as OAPEC.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The global economy showed signs of relative improvement in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by accelerated spending on imports in anticipation of higher US tariffs, alongside a general improvement in global financial conditions. This was revealed by Jamal Al-Loughani, Secretary-General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Wednesday, following the release of the organization’s second quarterly report on the global oil market.

Al-Loughani noted that the global economic growth rate forecast for 2025 was revised upward to 3%, compared to the earlier forecast of 2.8%. He attributed this positive shift to factors such as improved financial conditions and preemptive import spending. However, he cautioned that the lack of comprehensive trade agreements continues to stir concerns about the long-term impact of ongoing global trade uncertainties.

Despite this uptick in global growth, Al-Loughani pointed to a concerning 12.1% decline in the average spot prices of the OPEC basket of crudes, which fell to USD 67.4 per barrel during the second quarter. The prices of crude oil futures also recorded quarterly losses, with Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) falling by 10.8%, reaching $66.8 and $63.7 per barrel, respectively.

The AEO Secretary-General attributed the drop in oil prices to several factors, including shifts in US trade policy, growing concerns about a potential slowdown in global economic growth, and weaker oil demand. Additionally, he mentioned that the downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating due to rising government debt and a slowdown in China’s industrial production and retail sales further dampened investor sentiment.

Global oil supplies showed a slight increase, rising by 0.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 104 million barrels per day. This uptick was largely due to increased output from OPEC+ nations and the United States. On the demand side, however, global oil consumption saw a modest decline of 0.03% quarter-on-quarter, influenced by weaker demand from China and other Asian countries.

OPEC member states experienced a 9.5% decrease in crude oil exports during the second quarter of 2025, dropping to approximately $100 billion. This drop in revenue was primarily attributed to falling oil prices. Al-Loughani noted that these developments had a direct impact on the economic performance of member states, with a decline in oil revenues negatively affecting public finances and external accounts.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that OPEC member states continued to pursue economic reforms aimed at reducing inflation, stimulating investment, and boosting labor market growth. Furthermore, the non-oil sector provided some support to these economies, helping to mitigate the overall economic impact.

Looking ahead, Al-Loughani expressed optimism for the continued growth of the oil sector, particularly with the OPEC+ decision to implement additional voluntary cuts in April and November 2023. These cuts are set to gradually increase production, reaching 411,000 barrels per day in July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, and 457,000 barrels per day in September. This increase in oil production is expected to positively affect oil revenues, which remain a crucial source of national income for member states.

Despite these positive steps, Al-Loughani warned that the global oil market remains surrounded by uncertainty. While OPEC forecasts indicate a decline in oil supplies from non-OPEC+ countries in the third quarter of 2025, global oil demand is expected to rise to approximately 105.5 million barrels per day. These projections, however, remain speculative due to several ongoing uncertainties, including escalating global trade tensions, geopolitical risks in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and concerns over global economic growth.

Al-Loughani praised the continued efforts by OPEC+ countries, including six members of the Arab Energy Organization, to maintain balance and stability in the global oil market. These ongoing precautionary measures are aimed at ensuring the oil market remains resilient amid global economic and geopolitical challenges.

While the global economy has shown signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2025, the outlook for the oil market remains volatile, with both supply and demand factors contributing to continued uncertainty.

Continue Reading

Business

Gulf Bank Concludes Successful Participation in University Admission Fairs at ‎Kuwait University and Abdullah Al-Salem University

Published

on

By


KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting education and empowering Kuwaiti ‎youth, Gulf Bank has successfully concluded its distinguished participation in the ‎university admission fairs at Kuwait University and Abdullah Al-Salem University. The ‎Bank actively engaged with new students, introducing them to its tailored banking ‎solutions designed specifically for young people.‎

Gulf Bank took part in the interactive admission fair held at Kuwait University’s Sabah ‎Al-Salem University City in Al-Shadadiya from 19 to 29 July 2025. The Bank’s booth ‎attracted a high turnout from students and parents, who showed great interest in the ‎banking services designed for university students.‎

Similarly, the Bank participated in the admission fair hosted by Abdullah Al-Salem ‎University at its Khaldiya campus from 6 to 17 July 2025. Gulf Bank’s presence ‎featured direct interaction with visitors, providing comprehensive information on ‎student accounts and other tailored services.‎

These participations are part of Gulf Bank’s continuous efforts to strengthen ‎engagement with youth and support them in the early stages of their academic journey. ‎Alongside sharing information on academic majors and admission processes, the ‎Bank also offered financial tips to help students manage their resources effectively ‎from the start of their university life.‎

At both events, Gulf Bank showcased its red account, one of its leading banking ‎solutions designed for customers aged 15 to 25. The account offers a wide range of ‎benefits, including prepaid cards, exclusive discounts, rewards on purchases, and ‎access to unique events and experiences that enrich both personal and professional ‎growth. ‎

Beyond its features, the red account serves as a platform to promote financial literacy ‎among youth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed ‎financial decisions early in life – positively shaping their future and fostering a ‎generation that is financially aware and capable of managing resources effectively.‎

Gulf Bank’s team expressed pride in supporting students throughout their high school ‎and university years, offering innovative banking services designed to keep pace with ‎their fast-paced lifestyles.‎

Gulf Bank concluded its participation by thanking the administrations of both ‎universities for organizing the fairs, which serve as valuable platforms to connect with ‎youth. The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its support for educational ‎and youth initiatives that contribute to Kuwait’s development and enhance the quality ‎of life for its students and community.‎

Continue Reading

Business

Menzies Aviation set to expand MASIL operations at Mosul International Airport

Published

on

By


KUWAIT / LODNON, Aug 12:  Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports ‎and airlines, has announced it will deliver ground, air cargo and fuelling services at Mosul ‎International Airport (OSM) in Iraq through MASIL, its joint venture with Iraqi Airways, Air BP and ‎Al-Burhan Group.‎

One fully operational, MASIL will provide a full suite of aviation services at OSM, under a new ‎‎10-year license, further strengthening its footprint in the region. This builds on MASIL’s ‎operations at Baghdad International Airport (BGW).‎

MASIL provided ground services for the presidential flight that signified the official reopening of ‎OSM. The flight, attended by Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, represented a ‎landmark moment in the airport’s history, which has been non-operational since 2014.‎

The milestone underscores the joint venture’s capabilities and readiness to support future air ‎traffic at the revitalised airport.‎

Mosul International Airport has undergone extensive reconstruction and is now equipped with a ‎main terminal, VIP lounge, and advanced radar surveillance system. The airport is expected to ‎be fully operational within the coming months, supporting both domestic and international flights ‎and handling an estimated 630,000 passengers annually.‎

The expansion marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of the MASIL joint venture ‎across Iraq and demonstrates Menzies’ commitment to supporting the country’s aviation ‎infrastructure and long-term development.‎

Charles Wyley, Executive Vice President Middle East, Africa and Asia, Menzies Aviation, ‎said: “We’re proud to expand our presence in Iraq with new operations at Mosul International ‎Airport through our MASIL joint venture. This is a major step in our journey to support the ‎redevelopment of Iraq’s aviation sector and bring world-class standards to the country’s airports. ‎Handling the presidential flight was a privilege and a clear signal of MASIL’s professionalism and ‎reliability as a trusted service provider.”‎

Menzies Aviation and Iraqi Airways formed MASIL in 2021 to provide ground handling, cargo, ‎and fuelling services. The joint venture includes operations at key airports including Baghdad and ‎will soon include Mosul, as it continues to support the modernisation of Iraq’s aviation sector.‎

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .