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Zain Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi Named Among Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders 2026

Sunday 18 October 2026 15:09
Bader Al-Kharafi
Bader Al-Kharafi

Bader Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group, has been named among Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2026 in the technology and telecommunications category.

The recognition highlights executive leadership in sustainability as regional telecom operators expand digital infrastructure while addressing environmental, social, and governance priorities.

Zain Advances Its Climate Strategy

Zain has integrated sustainability into its “4WARD – Progress with Purpose” strategy, with initiatives spanning climate action, responsible operations, digital inclusion, and corporate governance.

In January 2026, the group announced that it had received an “A” score in CDP’s Climate Change assessment for 2025, placing it among the highest-rated telecommunications companies in the assessment. The group has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Zain’s sustainability programme includes efforts to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and expand digital access across its markets in the Middle East and Africa.

The company’s sustainability reporting also addresses social inclusion, youth development, and responsible business practices, reflecting a broader approach to environmental and social impact.

Al-Kharafi’s inclusion in the Forbes Middle East 2026 list recognises his leadership at a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly central to the region’s digital infrastructure and telecommunications sector.