Zain Group, a leading ICT and digital lifestyle operator in eight Middle East and Africa markets, has posted exceptional results for the first half of 2025. Revenue reached KD1.1 billion ($3.5 billion), up 14% year-on-year, while net profit soared 49% to KD121 million ($395 million), including a one-time KD15 million ($50 million) gain from settling a legal dispute involving INWI, in which Zain holds a 15.5% stake through Zain Al Ajial. Earnings per share for H1 stood at 28 fils ($0.09).
EBITDA grew 10% to KD356 million ($1.2 billion), maintaining a strong 33% margin. Customer numbers rose 7% to 50.9 million, boosted by network restoration in Sudan and expansion in Iraq. Data revenue grew 8% to $1.3 billion, representing 37% of group revenue.
In Q2 alone, revenue rose 13% year-on-year to KD541 million ($1.8 billion), with EBITDA at KD186 million ($606 million) and a 34% margin. Net income climbed 40% to KD73 million ($237 million), or 17 fils ($0.05) per share.
Chairman Osamah Al Furaih credited the success to Zain’s “4WARD—Progress with Purpose” strategy, emphasizing acceleration, collaboration, digital innovation, and ESG commitments. He announced the fifth consecutive interim dividend of 10 fils per share, consistent with the annual policy of at least 35 fils.
Vice-Chairman and CEO Bader Al Kharafi cited strategic network and AI investments, cost optimization, and strong monetization of enterprise, fintech, and digital services as growth drivers. Operations in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq delivered double-digit net income growth, while ICT arm ZainTech, global wholesale carrier Zain Omantel International, and fintech services performed strongly.
In Kuwait, Zain maintained its leadership with 2.6 million customers. Q2 revenue hit KD94 million ($306 million) with a 36% EBITDA margin and net income of KD23 million ($74 million). H1 net income reached KD41 million ($132 million), with data revenue contributing 36% of total revenue.
In Saudi Arabia, Q2 revenue rose 4% to $708 million, EBITDA grew 9% to $227 million, and net income increased 21% to $34 million. For H1, net income rose 28% to $59 million, with 5G-Advanced boosting data revenue to 40% of total. Active customers reached 8.3 million. Enterprise growth, the ‘Yaqoot’ digital service, and fintech arm ‘Tamam’—which set records for microfinance loans—drove additional gains.
