Ooredoo Kuwait Maintains Market Lead as Group Delivers Strong Q1

Ooredoo Kuwait  has reported a strong start to 2026, posting solid financial and operational growth in the first quarter ended March 31. The company, formally known as National Mobile Telecommunications Company (NMTC), recorded an 11% year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue to KWD 197 million, up from KWD 178 million in the same period last year. EBITDA rose by 15% to KWD 80 million, while net profit attributable to NMTC climbed 21% to KWD 22 million. The company also expanded its customer base by 5% to reach 27.7 million users across its markets.

Chairman Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani said the group had started the year on a “solid footing,” attributing the performance to strong momentum across key markets, particularly Kuwait. He noted that growth was driven by higher service revenues and disciplined cost management, alongside continued investment in network quality and customer experience. The chairman added that the group remains focused on selective investments and strategic priorities to sustain long-term growth and shareholder value.

At the market level, Ooredoo Kuwait maintained its leadership position, according to CEO Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al-Babtain. He highlighted the company’s focus on enhancing digital services, expanding 5G infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships across public and private sectors. He added that these efforts are aligned with the company’s ambition to evolve into a fully integrated provider of digital and smart lifestyle solutions, while continuing to support Kuwait’s broader economic development.

Operationally, the group delivered strong performances across several markets. In Kuwait, revenue rose 3% to KWD 67 million, with EBITDA increasing 8% to KWD 24 million and a customer base of 2.9 million. Tunisia saw particularly strong growth, with revenue up 19% to KWD 37 million and EBITDA rising 28%, supported by a 5% increase in customers to 7.3 million. Algeria remained a key growth driver, with revenue climbing 16% to KWD 73 million and EBITDA up 18%, as its customer base reached 15.6 million.

Other markets also contributed to the group’s performance. In Palestine, revenue increased 10% to KWD 9 million, with EBITDA rising 13%, while the customer base stood at 1.5 million. In the Maldives, the company delivered a resilient performance, with revenue at KWD 11 million and EBITDA growing 4%, alongside a modest increase in customers to 429,000.

Looking ahead, Ooredoo said it will continue to invest in advanced technologies, expand digital offerings, and enhance customer experience across its markets. The company aims to build on its current momentum by strengthening its position in the telecommunications sector and delivering sustainable growth throughout 2026.