Top 100 Arabs 2025

39. Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi

Vice chairman and CEO, Zain Group

Origin: Kuwait

Residence: Kuwait

Sector: Telecoms

2024 Rank: 40

Al-Kharafi continues to steer Zain Group to record-breaking performance. In 2024, the telecom giant posted a 15-year high revenue of KD1.45bn ($4.71bn) for the first nine months, with net income up 6 per cent to KD136m ($442m).

Zain also distributed interim dividends of KD43.3m ($141.5m), reflecting financial strength. Al-Kharafi oversees operations in eight countries, serving 47.2 million customers.

Zain expanded its fintech footprint, launching the Shariah-compliant Bede platform and recording 13 per cent fintech revenue growth. ZainTECH’s revenue surged 92 per cent, bolstered by regional expansion and acquisitions. Al-Kharafi additionally chairs Gulf Bank and sits on key boards, including Coca-Cola (Kuwait), Boursa Kuwait, and Foulath Holding.

Under his leadership, Zain remains focused on its ‘4Sight’ strategy, driving profitability, technological leadership, and digital innovation across the MENA region, while strengthening enterprise, fintech, and ESG initiatives.

Sheikh Sulaiman Bin Abdulaziz Alrajhi

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa