Members News

We are proud to announce that HTU is now officially a member of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Global Network — an initiative established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to advance gender equality in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

At HTU, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality.

Zain Group has published its 14th annual sustainability report, titled “The New Paradigm Shift”, highlighting its commitment to responsible business practices and its value-driven operations aimed at delivering meaningful connectivity and promoting inclusive systemic transformation across societies.

A regional pioneer in digital innovation across the Middle East and Africa, Zain said the report outlines how it proactively addressed market challenges through a strategic approach tailored to the complex socio-economic and environmental landscape of the MENA region, marked by rapid population growth, climate change, and geopolitical shifts.

The report underscores Zain’s operational resilience amidst increasing challenges such as mass migration, extreme weather, rising cyber threats, and economic uncertainty. Zain’s adaptive strategy has enabled it to navigate this dynamic environment, identify growth opportunities, and expand its strategic outlook toward sustainable financial development.

It also revealed that Zain aligned its operations with both global and local sustainability trends, embedding sustainability within its core business to drive long-term value. The report adheres to global standards such as the AA1000 Accountability Principles (2018), GRI, SASB (Telecommunications), TCFD disclosures, UNGP reporting framework on business and human rights, Kuwait Boursa ESG guide, GSMA mobile ESG metrics, and the UN Global Compact principles.

In 2024, Zain’s emission reduction targets were officially approved by SBTi. The group uses the GHG Protocol’s corporate accounting and reporting standards for emissions inventory and aligns its emission factors with IEA standards to maintain consistency across all operations.

The 2024 report was independently verified by Ernst & Young (Al Aiban, Al Osaimi & Partners), using both limited and reasonable assurance methods—marking the first time Zain’s scope 1 and 2 emissions received reasonable assurance, while all other metrics underwent limited assurance.

The report highlighted Zain’s critical role in digital transformation, emphasizing that its leadership in this field creates opportunities across industries. Through advanced tech solutions, data governance policies, and a partnership with Huawei, Zain launched an AI Centre of Excellence to accelerate this journey.

Zain also launched UNITY in 2024—a group-wide transformation program designed to embed purpose and customer experience into its operations through a human-centric approach. Customer service is considered central to delivering a high-quality user experience.

The group maintained its ethical and responsible conduct by ensuring employee health, safety, and wellbeing across its facilities, networks, and suppliers, adhering to safety regulations and deploying company programs that promote employee wellness.

Chief Sustainability Officer Jennifer Suleiman stated:
“In an age of technological breakthroughs enabling unprecedented impact, Zain recognises its responsibility to lead in bringing innovation that drives positive social development and meaningful connectivity.”

She added:
“Despite escalating conflict, mass displacement, and worsening climate conditions in the region, Zain met its strategic goals, improved sustainability outcomes, and ensured all operations provided meaningful access—addressing gender gaps, digital literacy, child protection, and biodiversity conservation.”

Data privacy remains a top priority for Zain, which commits to protecting the personal information of all stakeholders in line with relevant laws. The company’s privacy policy outlines principles for data collection, processing, and disclosure, and throughout the year, Zain took proactive steps to maintain compliance and adopt best practices.

Zain’s five-year strategy centres on four pillars: climate change, responsible operations, inclusion, and youth. The group aims to safeguard the planet, ensure accessibility, and close the digital literacy gap.

Its 2024 sustainability agenda tackled social, economic, and environmental challenges across markets, with initiatives like:

Carbon reduction targets aligned with SBTi and a water management plan tailored to local contexts, resulting in a 5.89% in water consumption from 2023.

Continued commitment to CDP climate disclosures, biodiversity protection, and nature preservation.

Expansion of its supplier training program on ESG principles, human rights, and anti-corruption. The number of trained suppliers rose significantly in 2024, and a self-assessment process was maintained to ensure alignment with ethical standards.

Zain’s supply chain management ensures suppliers are rigorously vetted against values such as ethical business, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. This proactive approach protects operations and promotes a value-based supply chain.

Despite creating 114,000 job opportunities in 2024, youth unemployment remains a major regional issue. To tackle this, Zain advocates for reskilling and capacity building to prepare youth for future workforce demands.

Zain targets digital inclusion for underserved groups—elderly people, individuals with disabilities, women, and children—acknowledging that basic services can transform lives and drive social development.

The group launched the fourth edition of its Women in Tech program in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, with 485 participants—up 16% from 2023. Zain plays a key role in promoting gender equality in tech and inspiring young women in STEM fields.

Zain also partnered with UN Women under the Accelerating SDG 5 Implementation in Kuwait (2024-2027) programme, supporting women entrepreneurs aged 18–45. The initiative gathered insights from 31 respondents to build tailored business support strategies.

Zain strengthened digital inclusion for people with disabilities by expanding tailored service bundles in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. It also advanced staff development through Zain’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity University (IDEU), in partnership with IE University in Spain, enabling 2,000 employees to pursue online digital transformation courses and potentially earn master’s degrees.

Siren marked a major milestone in Jordan’s digital transformation this week with the launch of a new digital licensing platform and 104 fully integrated e-services for the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC).

The launch, made possible through close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MODEE) and EMRC, reflects a shared commitment to building smarter, more accessible public services for all.

The new digital licensing platform was officially unveiled at a ceremony held at the National Centre for Nuclear and Radiological Security, with EMRC Chairman Eng. Ziyad Al-Saaida, MODEE Secretary-General Dr. Samira Zoubi, and Siren Analytics Jordan CEO Kamil Fakhoury in attendance.

The speakers emphasised that these e-services represent a concrete step forward in realising Jordan’s economic modernisation and digital transformation vision, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II.

Eng. Al-Saaida highlighted the comprehensive nature of the project, including full business process re-engineering to improve service delivery. “This is not merely a technical update,” he said, “but a strategic project toward building a more effective and efficient regulatory environment—one that enables users to complete their electronic transactions with the highest levels of security and quality.”

Dr. Zoubi praised the initiative as a model for modern public service delivery. “This progress marks a strategic step toward improving Jordan’s business environment and enhancing transparency. These digital services offer significant benefits for citizens and investors alike, helping to streamline processes, save time and effort, and strengthen the overall investment climate in the Kingdom.”

Built on secure, open-source architecture, the new platform integrates with Jordan’s Sanad digital ID ecosystem, allowing for seamless, user-friendly access. It supports licensing services across a range of EMRC sectors: radiation protection, mining and quarries, oil and derivatives, natural gas, electricity and renewables, petroleum and oil shale, as well as EMRC’s internationally accredited laboratories. A unified service for receiving and tracking citizen complaints has also been launched.

Siren Analytics CEO Kamil Fakhoury underscored the platform’s technical foundation: “The system uses class-leading technologies to achieve top-tier security, availability, and performance. It’s designed to be flexible, scalable, and ready to grow with EMRC—whether that means adding new services or integrating with other government systems.”

He added: “Siren is honoured to support the royal vision for Jordan’s digital transformation, and looks forward to continuing our work with MODEE, EMRC, and partners across the Jordanian public sector.”

TJDEED Technology proudly took part in the International Defense Exhibition (IQDEX 2025), held from April 19 to 22 at the Baghdad International Fairground. The event brought together leading defense and technology organizations from around the world. TJDEED’s Iraq team was present at the exhibition to represent the booth of its esteemed partner, ManageEngine, aiming to highlight the latest advancements in IT management and security solutions, with a focused emphasis on cybersecurity offerings. 

IQDEX 2025, known for its spotlight on cybersecurity and defense technologies, served as a dynamic platform for TJDEED Technology to engage with a wide array of visitors, including clients, industry experts, and government representatives. Led by Iraq Country Manager Mr. Saed Abu Dahoud, the team took full advantage of the exhibition to strengthen existing relationships, forge new connections, and exchange insights on the future of IT in defense and enterprise sectors. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Abu Dahoud remarked, “Events like IQDEX are vital for fostering collaboration and showcasing how technology can drive operational excellence across industries.” The event also provided valuable exposure to global technology trends and emerging innovations that are reshaping enterprise and defense infrastructure. 

At the ManageEngine booth, TJDEED showcased a comprehensive suite of IT solutions that cater to modern enterprise needs. Key offerings discussed included unified service management, unified endpoint management and security, identity and access management (IAM), privileged access management (PAM), and security information and event management (SIEM). The team also highlighted cutting-edge capabilities such as full-stack observability, advanced IT analytics, low-code app development, cloud solutions for enterprise IT, and remote work management—demonstrating how these tools empower organizations to enhance efficiency, security, and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving digital environment. TJDEED’s presence at the booth maintained a strong focus on cybersecurity, in alignment with the event’s central theme. 

Looking ahead, TJDEED Technology remains committed to driving technological innovation and delivering impactful IT solutions across the region. Participation in IQDEX 2025 reinforces the company’s mission to be at the forefront of digital transformation, not just in Iraq but across the wider Middle East. By continuing to build strategic partnerships and staying aligned with global tech developments, TJDEED aspires to expand its reach and contribute to a smarter, more connected future. 

To learn more about TJDEED’s services, click here.

Al-Salem: Net Profits Surge by 50% to JOD 160 Million, Reflecting the Group’s Strong Performance

During its ordinary annual meeting, the General Assembly of Capital Bank’s shareholders approved the Board of Directors’ recommendation to distribute cash dividends to shareholders at a rate of 15% of the bank’s capital. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Basem Khalil Al-Salem and attended by members of the Board of Directors, the General Controller of Companies Dr. Wael Al-Armouti, Hadeel Jbara, and Rawa’a Al Fraihat representing the Central Bank of Jordan, and Capital Bank CEO Mr. Tamer Ghazaleh.

The meeting, held via videoconference on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was attended by shareholders representing approximately 89.35% of the bank’s subscribed and paid-up capital. During the meeting, shareholders approved the Board of Directors’ recommendation to distribute cash dividends at a rate of 15% of the capital. They also approved the Board of Directors’ report, the consolidated financial statements for 2024, and the group’s future plans.

At the start of the meeting, Al-Salem stated his highest expressions of loyalty and allegiance to His Majesty King Abdullah II, stating his pride in His Majesty and his wise political and economic vision. He highlighted the strength and resilience of the Jordanian economy, which delivered solid performance in 2024, achieving a growth rate of 2.4% despite global economic and geopolitical challenges. He noted that the Central Bank’s foreign reserves reached a record high of $21.1 billion last year. Al-Salem attributed this progress to the royal directives and solid economic policies, which have reinforced economic stability and strengthened investor confidence, both locally and among international financial institutions.

Speaking on Capital Bank Group’s performance in 2024, Al-Salem emphasized that the group achieved strong growth across all key financial indicators. Net profits surged by a record 50%, reaching JOD 160 million, up from JOD 106 million in 2023, driven by the solid performance of the group’s core businesses.

Al-Salem also praised the outstanding performance of the National Bank of Iraq, a key subsidiary that maintained its position as the largest privately owned bank in Iraq. The bank continued to expand its footprint and worked to complete all procedures to increase its capital from IQD 400 billion to IQD 520 billion by capitalizing retained earnings and issuing free shares to shareholders.. Its total assets reached IQD 5.1 trillion, and its customer base grew to 320,000. The bank further enhanced its digital operations, developed cash counting and sorting centers, and maintained strong partnerships with international financial institutions. The National Bank of Iraq’s branch in KSA has continued to achieve significant growth in its customer base and has played a significant role in strengthening trade and economic ties between Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Capital Bank CEO Tamer Ghazaleh highlighted the group’s achievements during 2024. The balance sheet showed significant improvement, growing by 8.5% to reach JOD 8.2 billion at the end of 2024, compared to JOD 7.6 billion the previous year, while the customer deposits increased by 8%, rising from JOD 5.5 billion in 2023 to JOD 5.9 billion in 2024.

Ghazaleh stated that the return on equity reached 22.6% at the end of 2024, compared to 17.2% in 2023, which is considered one of the highest returns in the Jordanian banking sector, noting that the basic earnings per share for the year attributable to the bank’s shareholders amounted to JOD 0.410 for 2024. It is worth mentioning that the Group’s net operating income rose by 17% in 2024, reaching JOD 247 million, compared to JOD 212 million in 2023, while the net credit facilities portfolio remained stable at JOD 3.4 billion at the end of both 2023 and 2024, reflecting the effectiveness of the bank’s strategy in maintaining financial stability and ensuring sustainable growth, while preserving portfolio quality.

Regarding subsidiaries, Ghazaleh highlighted the performance of Capital Investments, the group’s investment arm, with the company’s total asset management portfolio increasing by 26% to $1.1 billion by the end of 2024. Capital Leasing maintained its leadership in the Jordanian market by offering diversified leasing solutions, with its profits increasing by 46% at the end of last year.

On the topic of digital transformation, Ghazaleh highlighted the bank’s significant progress in executing its digital strategy, in addition to investing in the adoption of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to provide innovative e-services. Blink by Capital Bank has also continued its steady growth, offering innovative digital banking services that contribute to enhancing financial inclusion and expanding its customer base. Ghazaleh also emphasized the bank’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, focusing on supporting environmental projects, empowering women and youth, and implementing environmental and social governance standards to promote sustainable development.

During the meeting, the nominated members of the Bank’s Board of Directors for the new session were announced. The winning members by acclamation for each category were: H.E. Mr. Bassem Khalil Salem Al Salem, H.E. Mr. Said Samih Taleb Darwazeh, the Social Security Corporation, The Safety First Investment Company (3 seats), Investments and Integrated Industries Holding Company, Hitaf Investment Company, Al-Jadara Real Estate Investment Company, Mr. Khalid Walid Hussni Nabilsi, Mr. Yousef Ali Yousef Al Nsour, H.E. Mr. Samir Zaid Samir Al-Rifai, and Ms. Dalia Abdel Azim Muhammad Wahba.

In his concluding remarks, Al-Salem reaffirmed Capital Bank Group’s commitment to leading the way in innovative financial solutions, guided by an ambitious strategy focused on creating sustainable value for shareholders and supporting the national economy. He expressed his gratitude to the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, His Excellency Dr. Adel Sharkas, and his team, as well as to the General Controller of Companies, His Excellency Dr. Wael Al-Armouti, for their continued efforts and prudent policy that played a role in the financial and economic stability of the Kingdom. He also commended the Board of Directors for their strategic leadership, the executive management for their dedication to achieving the group’s goals, and the employees of Capital Bank Group, who remain the cornerstone of its ongoing success.

Following the General Assembly meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the newly elected Board of Directors of the bank convened and approved the appointment of His Excellency Mr. Bassem Khalil Al-Salem as Chairman of the Board, and His Excellency Mr. Said Samih Darwazeh as Vice Chairman. Their term will run from April 17, 2025, to April 17, 2029.