Zain Wins the First Edition of the 'Gold Standard'

Zain Group announced that it has received the “MEIRA 2026” Gold Standard certification, awarded by the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) in its inaugural edition, following a comprehensive evaluation and independent adjudication aimed at measuring companies’ commitment to professional best practices in investor relations, transparency, and communication with financial markets.

Zain stated that this accolade marks a new milestone in its journey to consolidate the highest standards of corporate governance and disclosure, further strengthening its position as one of the most reliable and transparent listed companies in the region. This comes at a time when the quality of communication with investors has become a key factor in building long-term value and enhancing confidence in global financial markets.

The MEIRA 2026 Gold Standard certification is a new initiative that sets an advanced benchmark to measure the efficiency and maturity of investor relations programs and their alignment with global best practices. It represents a significant evolution in how MEIRA recognizes excellence in investor relations, with the evaluation covering companies’ investor relations programs from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The Middle East Investor Relations Association is a neutral institution established in 2008, with membership open to investor relations, financial communications, and capital markets experts. It serves as an ideal platform for sharing best practices in investor relations among professionals focused on providing clear and timely information to investment communities at both regional and global levels. The association works in partnership with stock exchanges, regulatory bodies, and experts in regional markets.

The evaluation was based on Zain’s success in building an integrated and unified investor relations framework across its listed companies in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Bahrain, ensuring the adoption of the highest standards of communication and transparency with shareholders and the investment community. This framework was developed and benchmarked against international best practices in investor relations, contributing to enhanced confidence among investment communities in the Group’s performance and its long-term strategic vision.

Zain reinforced this approach with a comprehensive corporate governance system, including approved policies on investor relations, shareholder protection, and disclosure, thereby cementing its commitment to the principles of transparency and effective communication with financial markets, which in turn strengthens trust and credibility within the investment community.

The Group highlighted that this recognition underscores the success of its institutional approach, which focuses on building sustainable communication bridges with shareholders, investors, financial analysts, and investment institutions by providing accurate, transparent, and timely information, while ensuring equal access to information and enhancing clarity regarding the Group’s operational and financial performance and its long-term strategic plans.

Over the past years, Zain has continued to invest in developing its investor relations system in line with rapid developments in global financial markets. This included updating digital communication channels, expanding investor engagement activities, enhancing participation in international investment conferences, and improving the quality of financial results reports and presentations, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and clear picture of the Group’s performance and future growth prospects.

The group affirmed that this achievement is the result of the continuous support from the group’s board of directors and executive management, and their belief in the strategic importance of investor relations in supporting business objectives and enhancing the company’s standing. It also reflects the high professionalism of the group’s investor relations team and the close collaboration among various relevant departments.

Zain has solidified its position as one of the most active and influential companies in engaging with regional and international investment communities, backed by a strong track record of operational performance, digital transformation, and expansion in technology, digital infrastructure, and digital financial services. This approach has contributed to strengthening investor interest in the group and reinforcing Zain’s brand as a company focused on delivering long-term sustainable value to shareholders.

Notably, investor relations today enjoy growing importance in global markets, as its role is no longer limited to disclosing financial results. It has become a cornerstone in building corporate reputation and enhancing companies’ standing among global investors, investment funds, and financial institutions. Transparency, governance, and disclosure quality have emerged as key factors influencing investment decisions and company valuations, amid the economic and geopolitical challenges facing markets.

Through its advanced investor relations, governance, and sustainability strategies and initiatives, Zain Group continues to work on strengthening its position as a leading regional technology conglomerate in the region, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the highest international standards in disclosure, transparency, and engagement with regional and international investment communities.