Zain Financial Results reached a 17-year high in revenue during the first nine months of 2026, alongside substantial net income growth. The telecommunications group also announced an executive leadership transition, with Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi stepping down from his current executive responsibilities.
Zain reported consolidated revenue of KD 1.8 billion, equivalent to approximately $5.71 billion. This represented a 4% increase compared with the same period last year.
Meanwhile, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation reached KD 587 million, or around $1.91 billion. The figure also increased 4% year-on-year, while the group maintained an EBITDA margin of 34%.
Net income recorded an even stronger improvement, climbing 59% to KD 304 million, equivalent to approximately $990 million. However, this figure included a $501 million gain from strategic investments undertaken through Zain Ventures.
Additionally, earnings per share reached 70 fils, equivalent to approximately $0.23. The group also reported a customer base of 53 million active users across eight markets. This represented a 3% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The financial performance reflects growth across Zain’s regional telecommunications and digital services operations. The company describes itself as a regional technology group providing information, communications and digital lifestyle solutions. Its operations cover markets across the Middle East and Africa.
Alongside the financial announcement, Zain confirmed a change in its executive leadership. Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi will hand over his responsibilities as Group Chief Executive Officer while retaining his position as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Nevertheless, Al-Kharafi will continue performing his executive duties through the first quarter of 2027. This arrangement will remain in place until the company announces its annual financial results.
Zain’s Board of Directors recognised his contribution during a significant period of transformation and expansion. It credited his leadership with helping reshape the group’s strategic direction and strengthen its regional position.
The board also highlighted his role in developing Zain into a prominent technology group. Its operations and investments have supported its broader ambitions across Middle Eastern and African markets.
The leadership transition comes as Zain reports its strongest revenue performance in 17 years. Furthermore, the company enters the final months of 2026 with a larger customer base and improved profitability.
The latest Zain Financial Results therefore combine record revenue with stronger earnings and a significant leadership development. The group will continue its operations while preparing for the executive handover in 2027.
