The year 2018 witnessed positive developments in the Group's operations across the region, where Zain Kuwait

maintained its
leadership position by focusing on innovation and digital platform development through the implementation of a full range of
data centric initiatives. The company was also the first to launch integrated 5G in key locations in Kuwait.
In addition, last year witnessed a qualitative shift in the operations of Zain Saudi Arabia, which turned its operations into
profitability. The company's annual financial results achieved positive growth rates thanks to the momentum in data services,
network development and expansion projects, and the effective management of operational costs.
There were many positive factors that helped Zain Saudi Arabia achieve these historical results, including the signing of a
number of comprehensive settlement agreements with government institutions. The company is currently looking at the sale and
lease-back of towers in strategic locations across the Kingdom, which is expected to create greater value for shareholders.
Zain Iraq recorded strong growth in 2018 due to the stability of some newly liberated geographical areas. The company is
expected to continue to grow further in the coming years.
The devaluation of the local currency in Sudan during 2018 impacted results in US dollar terms. However, the company
continued to improve its performance dramatically in terms of local SDG currency.
Zain Jordan continues to lead the telecom sector in the Kingdom, but intense competition has impacted its business growth.
Zain Bahrain remains focused on improving its network's operational efficiency and adopting an innovation-based business
strategy, which has seen the operation reporting healthy net income growth.