Bader Al-Kharafi is a well-known Kuwaiti businessman who has significantly impacted the telecom, finance, and investment sectors in the Middle East. As Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group, he has helped transform the company into a leading telecommunications provider. His recent appointment as Chairman of Boursa Kuwait further solidifies his growing influence in shaping Kuwait’s financial future.
Early Life and Education
Bader Al-Kharafi was born on August 17, 1977, into one of Kuwait’s most prominent business families. His father, Nasser Al-Kharafi, was a well-known business tycoon. Bader pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Kuwait University and later earned an MBA from the prestigious London Business School.
His academic background provided him with the technical skills and global business perspective that would later shape his leadership style.
Career Beginnings
After completing his studies, Al-Kharafi began his professional journey with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. In 2002, he joined the M.A. Al-Kharafi Group, his family’s business empire, working as a coordination engineer. His early work focused on project management and engineering, but he quickly rose through the ranks due to his vision and leadership capabilities.
In 2011, following the sudden death of his father, Bader took on more leadership responsibilities within the family group. In 2012, he became the Director of the Executive Committee, guiding the company’s diversified investments across the region.
Transforming Zain Group
In 2017, Bader Al-Kharafi was appointed Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group. Under his leadership, Zain has undergone a major transformation — from a traditional telecom company to a digital service provider. His focus on innovation, digitalization, and customer-centric strategies has made a lasting impact on the company’s growth.
In the first half of 2024, Zain Group reported a consolidated revenue of KD 945 million (approximately $3.1 billion). The company also saw a 79% increase in net profit during the second quarter compared to the first quarter — a testament to Al-Kharafi’s leadership and strategic vision.
He has championed digital inclusion, cloud services, fintech, and mobile money innovations across Zain’s operational markets. These efforts are positioning Zain as a future-ready tech leader in the region.
Appointed Chairman of Boursa Kuwait
In March 2025, Bader Al-Kharafi was elected Chairman of Boursa Kuwait, the country’s stock exchange, for a three-year term. His appointment marks a significant development in Kuwait’s financial ecosystem. With his leadership, Boursa Kuwait is expected to undergo modernization and strategic reform, making it more attractive to both regional and international investors.
Al-Kharafi’s dual leadership in telecommunications and finance uniquely positions him to bridge gaps between digital infrastructure and capital markets in Kuwait.
Other Business Leadership Roles
Bader Al-Kharafi is not limited to Zain and Boursa Kuwait. He holds numerous leadership positions across various sectors, reflecting his diverse business interests and expansive vision. Some of his key roles include:
- Vice Chairman of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries
- Board Member of Gulf Bank Kuwait
- Chairman of National Investments Company
- Founder and CEO of BNK Holding, which he established in 2016
BNK Holding has become a hub for launching innovative business ventures in Kuwait and the Gulf, particularly in retail, entertainment, and digital services.
Commitment to Social Impact
Beyond his business achievements, Bader Al-Kharafi is also known for his commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. He strongly believes in the power of business to drive social change.
Some of his key initiatives include:
- Kuwait Food Bank: Al-Kharafi supports this organization that provides food aid to more than 5,700 underprivileged families.
- INJAZ Kuwait: A youth empowerment program that helps young people build skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
- Zain’s “WE ABLE” Program: Launched in 2019 under his leadership, this initiative promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and society.
Al-Kharafi’s social efforts reflect his belief that success is not just about profits, but also about impact.
Global Recognition
Thanks to his impressive achievements, Bader Al-Kharafi has received widespread recognition both locally and internationally. He has been featured in several prominent lists that highlight influential business leaders in the Arab world, including:
- The World’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs by Gulf Business (2014)
- Most Powerful Young Arabs Under 40 by Arabian Business (2015)
- 100 Most Influential Arabs by Arabian Business (2017 and 2018)
These recognitions underscore his rising influence and his commitment to driving growth and innovation in the Middle East.
Personal Life and Family Values
Bader Al-Kharafi is a devoted family man. He is married and has two children. He believes in instilling strong values of generosity, humility, and social responsibility in the next generation. He often involves his family in charity work, teaching them the importance of giving back to the community through hands-on experiences.
The Future of Bader Al-Kharafi
As Bader Al-Kharafi continues to shape the future of Kuwait’s telecom and financial sectors, all eyes remain on his next strategic moves. Whether it’s steering Zain toward new tech innovations or guiding Boursa Kuwait into the global investment spotlight, one thing is clear — he is a force driving Kuwait’s modern transformation.
His ability to combine business success with social consciousness sets him apart as not only a visionary leader but also a role model for future generations.
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