Zain Group Posts 51% Profit Surge as Q1 2026 Revenue Rises to KD 569 Million
Overall, Zain said the results reflect continued execution of its “4WARD–Progress with Purpose” strategy, underpinned by digital expansion, fintech growth, and disciplined investment in future technologies.
Zain Group reported a strong set of consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, supported by growth across key markets, expanding digital services, and improved profitability.
The Group’s total managed active customer base reached 51.2 million, while revenue rose 6% year-on-year to KD 569 million (USD 1.86 billion). EBITDA increased 6% to KD 182 million (USD 594 million), with margins steady at 32%. Net income surged 51% to KD 80 million (USD 260 million), marking a 15-year high, and earnings per share stood at 18 fils (USD 0.06).
Operationally, Zain highlighted strong growth in data and digital verticals, with data revenue up 18% to USD 751 million, representing 40% of total revenue. New growth verticals expanded 16% to USD 227 million, while fintech services grew 28% with a 38% increase in customers. ZainTECH revenue rose 7%, and wholesale arm Zain Omantel International recorded 16% YoY growth. Zain Ventures also posted USD 123 million in gains for the quarter.
The Group said its 5G and 5.5G networks continued to enhance service quality across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain, while key markets including Sudan (+34%), Iraq (+14%) and Jordan (+5%) delivered strong revenue growth. Group CAPEX reached USD 129 million (7% of revenue).
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the previous Board of Directors for their dedicated efforts in advancing the company’s strategic agenda and strengthening the Group’s position as a leading regional TechCo. The Board will build on this solid foundation, enhance strategic partnerships and continue to deliver sustainable value for our shareholders.”
– Mrs. Nour Al-Jassim, Chair of the Board, Zain Group
“Despite ongoing regional challenges, we delivered a prosperous first-quarter performance on multiple fronts. This was underpinned by strong operational execution across our key markets and growing contributions from our new business verticals and profitable investment strategy. We remain focused on elevating customer experience through innovative, AI-driven solutions, while actively pursuing value accretive opportunities. This strong momentum behind the Group’s ‘4WARD–Progress with Purpose’ strategy signals an exceptional year ahead. Our robust and diversified business model, coupled with the agility of our teams, enabled us to maintain critical connectivity across all markets during the recent crisis. I am immensely proud of the resilience and dedication demonstrated by our teams. Their unwavering commitment ensured uninterrupted network connectivity and customer support, enabling the continuity of remote work, education, and essential services under highly challenging circumstances. These efforts have been truly inspiring. Our operations in Kuwait, KSA, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, and Bahrain performed in line with expectations despite a challenging and highly competitive environment. In parallel, our strategic verticals, ZainTECH and Zain Omantel International, continued to deliver healthy growth, playing a vital role in sustaining essential services across the region and beyond. Our operations in Kuwait, KSA, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, and Bahrain performed in line with expectations despite a challenging and highly competitive environment. In parallel, our strategic verticals, ZainTECH and Zain Omantel International, continued to deliver healthy growth, playing a vital role in sustaining essential services across the region and beyond. Our strategic partnership with Ooredoo to establish the region’s largest tower company continues to progress well. Following recent regulatory approvals in Qatar, the TASC Towers team is finalizing operational readiness ahead of the first tower closing, expected during June 2026. Upon completion, we will focus on expanding into additional markets in line with our infrastructure optimization strategy. I look forward to working closely with the new Board and Chair, Mrs. Nour Al Jassim, as we take Zain to new heights to enhance shareholder value.”
– Mr. Bader Al-Kharafi, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Zain
Strategic and ESG Highlights
The Group also reported continued momentum in its fintech ecosystem, driven by services such as Bede, Tamam, and Zain Cash, alongside growing contributions from venture investments including exposure to global tech firms. Zain Ventures’ portfolio continued to generate gains from its diversified investment strategy.
Zain also published its 2025 Sustainability Report titled “Grounded in Purpose, Growing Sustainably”, and achieved an A rating in the CDP Climate Change 2025 disclosure cycle, placing it among global leaders and the only Kuwait-based company at leadership level.
The Zain brand value rose 16.1% to USD 4.04 billion, ranking among the top telecom brands globally and the highest valued private sector brand in Kuwait.
Overall, Zain said the results reflect continued execution of its “4WARD–Progress with Purpose” strategy, underpinned by digital expansion, fintech growth, and disciplined investment in future technologies.
