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Al Baraka Group’s Net Income Rises to US$204 Million in the First Half of 2026, with Total Assets Growing to US$33 Billion 

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Al Baraka Group’s Net Income Rises to US$204 Million in the First Half of 2026, with Total Assets Growing to US$33 Billion 

Al Baraka Group B.S.C. (C) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half ended 30 June 2026, reaffirming its continued ability to deliver strong and sustainable growth across its financial and operational performance indicators, despite geopolitical and economic challenges and volatility in global markets. The results reflect the resilience of the Group’s business model, underpinned by geographic diversification, strong market presence of its banking units in their local markets, diversified income streams, and enhanced quality of its financing and investment portfolios, enabling the Group to transform challenges into growth opportunities, supported by the outstanding performance of its key banking units, particularly in Türkiye, Jordan, and Algeria.

During the second quarter of 2026, the Group recorded notable growth in profitability indicators, with net income attributable to the shareholders of the parent company increasing by 16% to US$61 Million, compared with US$53 Million in the second quarter of 2025. Basic earnings per share rose to US cents 3.59 in the second quarter of 2026, compared with US cents 2.89 for the same period last year.

Total net income also increased significantly by 18% to US$111 Million during the second quarter of 2026, compared with US$94 Million in the corresponding period of 2025, driven by the remarkable growth in the business activities of the Group’s banking units, particularly in Türkiye, Algeria, and Jordan.

Total comprehensive income attributable to the shareholders of the parent company surged by 46% to US$73 Million during the second quarter of 2026, compared with US$50 Million in the corresponding period of 2025, primarily due to the positive impact of applying hyperinflation accounting requirements.

For the first half of 2026, the Group continued to deliver strong financial performance. Net income attributable to the shareholders of the parent company increased by 14% to US$113 Million, compared with US$99 Million in the first half of 2025. Basic earnings per share rose to US cents 7.91 in the first half of 2026, compared with US cents 6.73 for the corresponding period of 2025.

Total net income grew by 10% to reach US$204 Million during the first half of 2026, compared with US$185 Million in the corresponding period of the previous year, for the same reasons mentioned above.

Total comprehensive income attributable to the shareholders of the parent company surged by 73% to US$145 Million during the first half of 2026, compared with US$84 Million in the corresponding period of 2025.

 

Total equity attributable to the shareholders of the parent company and Sukuk holders increased to US$1.48 Billion at the end of June 2026, compared with US$1.37 Billion at the end of December 2025, representing an 8% increase, primarily supported by the accounting impact arising from hyperinflation. Total equity also increased by 7% to US$2.35 Billion at the end of June 2026, compared with US$2.19 Billion at the end of December 2025, for the same reasons mentioned above.

The Group further strengthened its financial position during the first half of 2026, with total assets rising to US$32.96 Billion, compared with US$31.01 Billion at the end of 2025, representing a growth of 6%, supported by solid growth in financing and investments, particularly across the Group’s banking units in Türkiye, Jordan, and Algeria.

As part of its strategy to enhance integration among its banking units, Al Baraka Group continued to expand its cross-border banking services by launching its account opening and management service between Al Baraka Islamic Bank – Bahrain and Al Baraka Bank Egypt, following the successful launch of the service between its Bahrain and Türkiye banking units. The initiative provides customers with a seamless digital banking experience across the markets in which the Group operates.

Commenting on the results, Shaikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of Al Baraka Group, said: “The Group’s results for the first half of 2026 reaffirm the strength and resilience of our business model and its ability to deliver sustainable growth despite geopolitical and economic challenges. Our strategy of geographic diversification, coupled with the deep-rooted presence of our banking units in their local markets, and the strength of our customer relationships have been fundamental pillars in enhancing the Group’s resilience against market volatility while enabling us to capitalize on growth opportunities, further reinforcing our position as one of the leading Islamic financial groups at both the regional and international levels.”

For his part, Mr. Houssem Ben Haj Amor, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer, stated: “These results reflect the successful execution of the Group’s strategic priorities, supported by growth in operating revenues, expansion of financing and investment activities, and improved operational efficiency, while maintaining strong liquidity, capital, and asset quality. The cross-border banking initiative represents a pillar of our ‘Borderless Banking’ strategy and will be progressively expanded across the Group’s banking units to support trade and investment while delivering an integrated digital banking experience.”

AHRC Salutes Dearborn Police Department and All Law Enforcement for Safeguarding Safety and Peace

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Sahfy Sahfy
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AHRC Salutes Dearborn Police Department and All Law Enforcement for Safeguarding Safety and Peace

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) applauds the Dearborn Police Department and all law enforcement partners—local, county, state, and federal—for their tireless efforts in keeping the peace and ensuring the safety of everyone who attended yesterday’s self‑proclaimed “Crusaders March” in Dearborn. Their work was especially challenging given the diverse and often conflicting viewpoints represented among attendees.

Dearborn’s leadership demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting, respecting, and upholding the freedoms of speech and assembly. Despite systematic, organized, and well‑financed efforts to provoke tension, Dearborn remained true to its identity as a welcoming city—even to those who embrace hate or seek to incite confrontation. The Dearborn City Council granted equal time and opportunity to all speakers, reflecting the city’s values of mutual respect, coexistence, constructive dialogue, and civil debate—not hate, and not the language of hate.

Despite the few and limited unfortunate challenges that occurred, AHRC commends the community members, residents, and friends of Dearborn who refused to give voices of hate the reaction they sought. Their discipline and restraint prevented escalation and denied extremists the attention and conflict they aimed to provoke. Yesterday’s experience demonstrated that containing negativity and resisting provocation is not only possible, but also a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to unity and peace.

AHRC reminds all peace‑loving people to remain responsibly vigilant. Unfortunately, this will not be the first nor the last attempt by far‑right extremists and white supremacists to target Dearborn, its leadership, and its residents. Yet one clear lesson emerged: Our unity in the face of hate is stronger than the hate itself. Hate is our common enemy.

Let us stand united and move forward. Dearborn and the broader community define themselves by their values and actions—not by the rhetoric of hateful groups.

“As of yesterday, I received countless messages of hate directed at me and at the community at large,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “It is a deeply unfortunate reality that hate continues to spread, fueled by a toxic political environment,” added Hamad. “There is the real Dearborn and the imagined Dearborn, and all the conflict and hate is due to the imagined Dearborn in the minds of extremists who don’t care for facts,” concluded Hamad

Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed, ADDED organises Al Ain Future Business Forum

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed,  ADDED organises Al Ain Future Business Forum

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the first edition of Al Ain Future Business Forum will take place on 28-29 September 2026 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. Organised by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the forum aims to drive investment and long-term economic growth in Al Ain Region, focusing on talent development, research and development, higher education, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, smart transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.

Held under the theme Invest, Develop, Thrive, Al Ain Future Business Forum will feature keynote addresses by various senior decision-makers and experts sharing perspectives on policies and infrastructure, facilitating access to capital, and developing talent, as well as the opportunities created by strategies aimed at strengthening Al Ain’s role in supporting economic growth and diversification.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “We extend our sincere appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this forum, which is being held in line with comprehensive development plans aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more diversified, balanced, smart, and sustainable economy. The launch of Al Ain Future Business Forum provides a suitable platform bringing relevant stakeholders together to discuss various topics and devise innovative strategies to drive growth, create jobs, and generate more opportunities. 

“Al Ain Future Business Forum reflects the leadership’s unwavering commitment to further enhance Al Ain Region’s pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. This initiative serves as a strategic catalyst to foster an environment where innovation meets opportunity, enabling talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to create and seize opportunities in high-growth sectors. This will further strengthen Al Ain Region’s position as a global hub where creative minds and high-value investment collaborate in a business-friendly ecosystem to shape a better future for us and our partners around the world.”

Al Ain Future Business Forum is to provide an integrated platform that aligns direction, implementation, and opportunities. By bringing government entities, the private sector, investors, and talent development institutions together within a single framework, the forum will strengthen ADDED’s role in supporting Al Ain Region and its potential for expansion and a diversified future economy, enabling business growth within Abu Dhabi’s evolving economic landscape.

Al Ain Region’s competitive advantages continue to attract high-value investments across key industries, including agriculture, higher education, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. This momentum is reflected in the growth of new economic licences in Al Ain region, which increased by 58 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, following a 29 per cent increase in 2025, compared with the corresponding periods.

The event will be organised in collaboration with key government and private-sector entities and institutions, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), the forum’s Strategic Gateway Partner and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) as Economic Pillar Partner, highlighting the commitment of key institutions and corporates to enhancing economic opportunities in Al Ain Region.

The event will feature keynote addresses, presentations and interactive sessions highlighting Al Ain Region’s attributes, potential, priorities and roadmaps for strategic projects. Al Ain Region’s labour market requirements, and ways to align talent development with growth strategies and business demand, as well as strengthening Al Ain’s role as a centre for research and development (R&D), will be among key topics discussed during the event. Investment opportunities and programmes to support domestic and foreign direct investment to key sectors will also be discussed by participating entities, including details on offerings available in Al Ain Region.

DP WORLD ADVANCES SYRIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY THROUGH PORT OF TARTOUS MODERNISATION

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Sahfy Sahfy
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DP WORLD ADVANCES SYRIA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY THROUGH PORT OF TARTOUS MODERNISATION

DP World has reached a significant milestone in its US$800 million investment programme to transform the Port of Tartous, completing the delivery of three Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) that will strengthen Syria’s trade infrastructure and support the country’s economic recovery.

The three cranes are expected to increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity by approximately 40%, enabling faster vessel turnaround, improved operational efficiency and increased handling of containerised, bulk, and breakbulk cargo. The investment is designed to strengthen Syria’s trade infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience and strengthen the foundation for long-term economic growth.

The crane deliveries represent an important milestone under DP World’s 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate the Port of Tartous. Over the coming years, the investment programme will continue, and include dredging works to accommodate larger vessels, the refurbishment of quay walls, the deployment of additional cargo-handling equipment, the introduction of digital technologies and the continued development of the local workforce. 

Fahad Al Banna, Chief Executive Officer, DP World Tartous, said: “This milestone represents much more than the delivery of new equipment. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery by rebuilding critical trade infrastructure. A modern port reduces the cost of doing business, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs.” 

Mohammad Shihab, Executive Vice President, DP World, Egypt and the Levant, added: “Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartous has the potential to become a vital trade and logistics gateway, connecting Syria with key regional markets including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye, while strengthening trade flows across the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf, Europe and North Africa. Our investment is therefore aimed at  increasing efficiency, reducing supply chain bottlenecks and strengthening connectivity, and providing businesses with more reliable access to regional and global markets, while supporting the growth and competitiveness of industries across manufacturing, agriculture and commerce.”

The next phase of the modernisation programme will include the deployment of additional cargo-handling equipment, including forklift trucks and reach stackers later this year, followed by nine additional light-duty mobile harbour cranes during 2027 and early 2028. A new quay crane is also planned for delivery in 2028.

Alongside the deployment of new equipment, DP World will soon commence dredging works to deepen the harbour, while the refurbishment of the port’s quay walls is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. These infrastructure improvements will enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, improve operational safety and efficiency, and reinforce Tartous’ role as a key gateway supporting Syria’s growing trade and economic recovery.

DP World’s long-term investment extends well beyond port operations. By modernising critical maritime infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, creating skilled employment, and enabling more efficient trade, the company is helping restore Syria’s position as a regional trading hub. The transformation of the Port of Tartous will attract investment, support businesses, and strengthen Syria’s role as a gateway for regional and international trade, reinforcing DP World’s purpose of making trade flow to change what’s possible for customers, communities, and economies.

Exits MENA and the Local Management of ACE sign a Multi-Seven-Figure Full Acquisition of Avanz Capital Egypt

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Exits MENA and the Local Management of ACE sign a Multi-Seven-Figure Full Acquisition of Avanz Capital Egypt
Exits MENA and the Local Management of ACE sign a Multi-Seven-Figure Full Acquisition of Avanz Capital Egypt

Exits MENA, the region’s first investment platform and advisory firm focusing on startups and SMEs, today announced the signing of a multi-seven-figure transaction in partnership with ACE’s existing local management to acquire Avanz Capital Egypt (ACE), a private equity and asset management firm.

With initial approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), the transaction represents an important milestone in Exits MENA’s strategy to build an integrated financial group serving investors, startups, SMEs, and financial institutions across Egypt and the wider MENA region.

Under the agreement, ACE’s existing management team, led by CEO and Managing Director Haytham Wagih, will remain in place and retain responsibility for the firm’s operations and investment activities.

The structure is designed to provide existing investors and clients of ACE with continuity, alignment, and confidence in line with international private equity standards, while creating a stronger platform for developing scalable and impactful private capital opportunities.

Avanz Capital Egypt has established a recognised position within Egypt’s private equity ecosystem, with a mandate focused on supporting SMEs and strengthening the country’s private equity and venture capital landscape. Its experience will complement Exits MENA’s advisory capabilities and regional network, creating a more connected platform that combines access to attractive investment opportunities and competitive risk-adjusted returns for investors with long-term value creation across portfolio companies.

“We are now better aligned through ownership participation. Our team remains in place and will continue to expand. Our investment process remains unchanged,” said Haytham Wagih, Managing Director and CEO of Avanz Capital Egypt. “What changes is our capacity to grow and retain key talent. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nader Elsayed as a shareholder and Executive Director. In contrast, Masa Arafa will continue her leading role as Investment Director with ownership alignment. With Exits MENA, we now have a broader regional platform behind us while developing the way we manage the firm and its portfolio.”

Founded in 2022 by Mohamed Abuelnaga Nagaty, Ayman El Tanbouly, and Ahella El Saban, Exits MENA has expanded its footprint into more than seven global markets. The company has built a strong track record across investment transactions and strategic advisory engagements, supported by a growing network of regional and international partners, having established more than 75 global partnerships, launched three ongoing investment-readiness programmes, and supported more than 2,000 businesses across the region.

“This acquisition marks a defining step in Exits MENA’s journey to build an integrated financial group serving the region. Since 2022, we have worked with businesses across different stages of growth and consistently seen the need for a more connected pathway between investment readiness, advisory services, and access to capital. By bringing private equity and asset management capabilities into our platform, we are completing the ecosystem we set out to build for founders, SMEs, investors, and institutional partners. We believe this model will deliver stronger outcomes for limited partners and portfolio companies while contributing to the long-term development of Egypt’s private capital market,” said the Exits MENA founding team.

The acquisition reinforces Exits MENA’s broader strategy to strengthen the region’s private capital ecosystem by providing investors with access to viable, scalable investment opportunities across Egypt and the MENA region, while supporting the development of deeper, more efficient private capital and exit markets.

The expanded platform brings together advisory, private equity, and asset management capabilities under one group, while maintaining strict separation between advisory mandates and investment decision-making to ensure independence, governance, and alignment with investors’ interests.

The next milestone is the rebranding of ACE to Exits Manara as the private capital and asset management subsidiary of Exits MENA. Exits Manara will continue to focus on the management and growth of Manara 1, the existing fund of funds dedicated to SMEs, and will expand AUMs through the establishment of Manara 2 for Export Investments, a new investment vehicle focusing on developing mid-sized exporting businesses to expand into international markets.

The acquisition comes amid a persistent financing challenge facing SMEs and high-growth businesses across MENA. According to the World Bank, SMEs in the region receive approximately 8% of total bank credit, compared with 22% in high-income economies. At the same time, CGAP estimates that the Arab world’s overall SME finance gap stands at approximately $123 billion.

KoçSistem Leads Türkiye’s IT System Integrator for the Eighth Consecutive Year as KoçDigital Wins Top AI Award

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Sahfy Sahfy
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KoçSistem Leads Türkiye’s IT System Integrator for the Eighth Consecutive Year as KoçDigital Wins Top AI Award

KoçSistem, a Türkiye-based technology company, ranked first in the main Information Technology Systems Integrator and Business Partner category of the 27th ICT 500, the country’s most comprehensive ICT (information and communication technology) sector research.

The company announced that the eighth consecutive category lead, as well as 10 combined category wins for KoçSistem and KoçDigital, support its MENA growth through offices in Dubai and Riyadh.

“Securing this leadership for an eighth consecutive year in ICT 500 is a strong reference for our leadership position in Türkiye,” said Mehmet Ali Akarca, General Manager of KoçSistem. “It also supports our objective of growing in international markets. We are pleased to take the technology expertise and operational capabilities we developed over many years in Türkiye to the MENA region.”

Ten category wins across two companies

KoçSistem’s eight first-place results covered the main system integrator category and areas including consulting, cloud, hosting management, cybersecurity, managed services and data backup and storage hardware.

KoçDigital added two first-place results in data warehousing and business intelligence software, and artificial intelligence under the “Contribution to Türkiye’s Economy” category.

ICT 500 ranks Türkiye’s largest ICT companies

ICT 500 is BThaber’s annual ranking of Türkiye’s 500 largest ICT companies by revenue, with additional tables covering operating categories. The latest edition assessed 2025 data and marked the study’s 27th year.

The research reported that the combined 2025 revenue of the 500 ranked companies reached TRY 1.6 trillion, up 40 per cent from 2024.

MENA growth through Dubai and Riyadh

KoçSistem opened offices in Dubai and Riyadh in 2024 and continues to develop its MENA business in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics and managed services.

The offices extend a regional initiative outlined at GITEX Dubai 2024, when KoçSistem described Dubai as a base for developing customer and partner relationships across the Gulf and wider MENA markets.

“With over 80 years of experience, we aim to create long-term value for the region’s digital ecosystem,” Akarca concluded.

Forbes Middle East Reveals The Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2026

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Forbes Middle East Reveals The Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2026

Forbes Middle East’s sixth annual Top 100 CEOs list spotlights the executives leading the region’s most impactful organizations. As architects of growth and transformation, these leaders are doing more than delivering business results — they are driving innovation, expanding global competitiveness, and helping shape the future of the Middle East’s economies.

To curate the ranking, Forbes Middle East took into account several metrics, including their impacts on the region, their country, and the markets they serve; their overall experience and time in their current role; the size of the company in terms of key financial metrics; achievements and performance of the CEO over the past year, along with the innovations and initiatives they have implemented.

Leading this year’s ranking is Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser, with ADNOC Group Managing Director and Group CEO Sultan Al Jaber at second place. Emirates Airline & Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum secures the third spot, followed by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Deputy Chairman and CEO Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah and International Holding Company (IHC) CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb, who rank fourth and fifth, respectively.

This year’s ranking, representing 21 nationalities, highlights the Middle East’s increasingly diverse leadership landscape. Emiratis lead the list with 31 executives, followed by Egyptians and Saudis with 15 and 13, respectively. Banking and financial services continue to dominate with 30 entries, followed by real estate and construction with eight. Notably, the top 10 CEOs all hail from GCC countries and represent five different industries, reflecting the sectors powering the region’s economic momentum.

As regional companies pursue growth beyond their home markets, diversification has become a defining element of corporate strategy. Strategic acquisitions continue to play a central role, with NMDC Infra’s January 2026 purchase of a 51% stake in Spain’s Lantania Aguas, marking NMDC Group’s first foray into Europe. In another landmark transaction, Emirates NBD acquired a 60% majority stake in India’s RBL Bank in June 2026 through a primary capital infusion of roughly $2.75 billion, further expanding its international presence.

Top 10 CEOs In The Middle East 2026

  1. Amin H. Nasser

Nationality: Saudi

President & CEO, Saudi Aramco

  1. Sultan Al Jaber

Nationality: Emirati

Group CEO & Managing Director, ADNOC Group

  1. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Nationality: Emirati

Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group

  1. Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah

Nationality: Kuwaiti

Deputy Chairman & CEO, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC)

  1. Syed Basar Shueb

Nationality: Emirati

CEO & Managing Director, International Holding Company (IHC)

  1. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi

Nationality: Qatari

Deputy Chairman, President & CEO, QatarEnergy

  1. Nasser Al Huqbani

Nationality: Saudi

CEO, Health Holding Company (HHC)

  1. Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa

Nationality: Qatari

Group CEO, QNB Group

  1. Waleed Abdullah Al-Mogbel

Nationality: Saudi

Managing Director & CEO, alrajhi bank

  1. Aflah Al Hadhrami

Nationality: Omani

Managing Director, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

Click here to view the complete Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East 2026 list.

Agthia Reports Stronger H1 2026 Financial Position and Raises Interim Dividend 14.4%

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Agthia Reports Stronger H1 2026 Financial Position and Raises Interim Dividend 14.4%

Agthia Group PJSC (AGTHIA:UH), one of the region’s leading food and beverage companies, today reported its first-half and second-quarter of 2026 results, reflecting the growing impact of its multi-year transformation, with stronger cash generation, a materially healthier balance sheet, and a 14.4% increase in the interim dividend.

The Group’s transformation gathered pace in H1 2026, as Agthia advanced its portfolio reset while navigating external challenges and cost pressures. For the first half, Group Revenue increased 7.4% year-on-year to AED 2.6 billion, underpinned by one-off sales under the UAE food security program that reflected Agthia’s role in supporting the national agenda. EBITDA climbed 35.8% to AED 310.5 million, with EBITDA Margin expanding 250 basis points to 11.9%, while Net Profit reached AED 121.4 million, up 147.4% year-on-year. For the second quarter of the year, Group Revenue increased 11.9% year-on-year to AED 1.3 billion. EBITDA increased 172.5% to AED 117.2 million, with Margin expanding 542 basis points to 9.2%, while Net Profit reached AED 24.5 million in the second quarter of the year. 

Free cash flow turned strongly positive at AED 521.4 million, from an outflow a year earlier, and the Group cut its Net Debt-to-EBITDA to 1.8x from 2.9x in December 2025. Agthia closed the first half of 2026 with AED 869.6 million in cash, providing substantial financial flexibility. Group Total Assets continue to grow, reaching AED 6.5 billion as of 30 June 2026.

Across the Group, strong growth in core businesses was complemented by continued progress in selected transformation initiatives. Water and Food led the way, with revenue up 38.9% in the second quarter, as Al Ain, Agthia’s first billion-dirham brand, extended its lead in bottled water and gained 2.0 percentage points of value market share versus the same period last year. Protein and Frozen advanced 22.0% in the second quarter, led by Nabil at 32.5%, supported by gradual improvement in Atyab, up 8.1% year-on-year, and the ramp-up of the Group’s Saudi protein facility. Agri-Business rose 11.0% on strong feed demand, with Agrivita feed sales up 23.3%. During the quarter, Snacking remained focused on transforming the Al Foah and BMB businesses, laying the foundation for long-term value, while Abu Auf maintained its strong growth trajectory, with revenue rising 23.7% year-on-year in Q2 2026.

Agthia’s Board of Directors has recommended an interim cash dividend of 11.792 fils per share for the six months ended 30 June 2026, a 14.4% increase year-on-year and a second consecutive period of higher returns following the 10.0% rise recommended for the second half of 2025. The increase is underpinned by an improvement in cash generation and a strong balance sheet. 

Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Agthia’s Board, commented: “Raising the interim dividend for a second consecutive period speaks to the discipline with which Agthia is being run and to the Board’s belief in its long-term value. Even in a demanding environment, the Group is generating the cash to reward shareholders and fund its own growth, and that balance is exactly what we are working to protect.”

Salmeen Alameri, Managing Director and CEO of Agthia Group, added: “The transformation we set in motion a year ago is delivering tangible results, with stronger earnings, expanding margins, and improved cash generation strengthening our balance sheet. We maintained uninterrupted supply, supported our customers, and advanced the UAE’s food security agenda when it mattered most. Innovation remained a key growth driver, with Al Ain Water entering functional beverages, expanded protein ranges from Nabil and Atyab, new snacking formats from Abu Auf and Freakin’ Awesome, and specialty flour products under Grand Mills. We also accelerated our sustainability agenda, reducing our emissions ratio by 26.7% year-on-year, while continuing to scale our digital transformation and e-commerce capabilities.”

Jeroen Nijs, Chief Financial Officer of Agthia Group, commented: “Agthia’s financial profile strengthened considerably during the first half of 2026. Alongside higher earnings, we generated AED 521 million of free cash flow, while reducing Net Debt-to-EBITDA from 2.9x to 1.8x. The combination of earnings growth, cash generation and balance sheet deleveraging reflects the financial discipline we are embedding across the organization. With AED 870 million of cash and cash equivalents, Agthia is well positioned to navigate the current regional disruption, execute our strategic transformation programs and enhance shareholder returns.

EFG Hermes Ranks #1 in Brokerage Across Five MENA Markets in 1H 2026

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Sahfy Sahfy
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EFG Hermes Ranks #1 in Brokerage Across Five MENA Markets in 1H 2026

EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced today that its securities brokerage division ranked first across five MENA markets in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as the region’s execution platform of choice for institutional and individual investors.

According to official exchange data, EFG Hermes ranked #1 on the Egyptian Exchange, Boursa Kuwait, the Dubai Financial Market, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and Nasdaq Dubai, and ranked #1 in the UAE on a combined basis. The performance marks a significant regional leadership sweep, combining sustained dominance in long-standing core markets with decisive gains across key Gulf exchanges.

For EFG Hermes, the 1H 2026 rankings represent more than a league-table milestone. They are a reflection of the Firm’s long-term commitment to supporting the development of deeper, more liquid, and more accessible capital markets across MENA. Through continued investment in technology, execution infrastructure, product innovation, and on-the-ground market expertise, EFG Hermes continues to play a central role in connecting investors to opportunity and helping regional exchanges attract broader, more sophisticated flows.

In the UAE, EFG Hermes delivered a clean sweep across all three exchanges, ranking #1 on the DFM with a 48.52% market share, #1 on ADX with 38.92%, and #1 on Nasdaq Dubai with 65.69%. On a combined UAE basis, the Firm ranked first with a 42.87% market share, rising from second place in FY2025.

EFG Hermes also delivered a standout performance in Kuwait, moving from second place in FY2025 to first in 1H 2026, with market share increasing to 41.56% from 33.19%. On Nasdaq Dubai, the Firm’s market share more than tripled, rising to 65.69% from 20.59% in FY2025, as EFG Hermes advanced from third to first place. In Egypt, the Firm maintained its long-standing leadership on the EGX, ranking #1 with a 29.60% market share, up from 27.76% in FY2025.

Commenting on the achievement, Ahmed Waly, Group Head of Brokerage at EFG Hermes, said: “Ranking first across five MENA markets in the first half of 2026 is a powerful endorsement of the trust our clients place in EFG Hermes and the strength of the platform we have built across the region. This is not a one-market story; it is the result of years of investment in talent, technology, execution quality, and deep client relationships across our footprint. We are particularly proud of the momentum we have seen in the GCC, where we moved to first place in Kuwait, ADX, Nasdaq Dubai, and the UAE combined, while continuing to cement our leadership positions in Egypt and Dubai.”

Waly added: “Our brokerage business is increasingly defined by the combination of high-touch advisory, scalable technology, and access to liquidity across the region’s most important markets. We have continued to advance our electronic and algorithmic trading capabilities, strengthen connectivity for institutional clients, and expand our stock borrowing and lending offering. These capabilities are central to how we help clients execute more efficiently, manage risk more effectively, and capture opportunities across MENA. As capital markets in the region continue to evolve, we remain focused on building the tools, products, and infrastructure that support their next phase of growth.”

The 1H 2026 rankings underscore EFG Hermes’ ability to capture and consolidate client flow across diverse markets, investor segments, and liquidity pools. The Firm’s market shares point to the depth of its regional execution capabilities and its continued appeal among local, regional, and international investors.

Beyond the five markets in which it ranked first, EFG Hermes also secured a top-10 brokerage position in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s largest, most liquid, and strategically important capital markets. The Firm ranked #10 in the Kingdom in 1H 2026, with market share rising to 6.53%, reflecting the continued strengthening of its Saudi platform, sustained investment in the market, and deepening engagement with local, regional, and international investors.

The Firm’s latest performance builds on a strong FY2025, during which EFG Hermes Securities Brokerage expanded market share across several GCC markets, retained its leadership position in Egypt, and continued to invest in digital transformation and product innovation. Key initiatives included enhancing institutional connectivity, advancing electronic execution tools, adopting specialized algorithmic trading capabilities, and launching stock borrowing and lending in Saudi Arabia as part of a broader effort to strengthen prime brokerage services.

As regional capital markets continue to deepen and attract a broader base of institutional and retail investors, EFG Hermes’ brokerage platform remains focused on expanding access, improving execution efficiency, and delivering differentiated market intelligence across MENA. Its 1H 2026 rankings reinforce the Firm’s position not only as a leading broker by market share, but as a trusted partner in the development of more dynamic, liquid, and globally connected capital markets across the region.

PALATINE GROWTH CREDIT AND INSTANDA PARTNER FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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PALATINE GROWTH CREDIT AND INSTANDA PARTNER FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION
03 Palatine Growth Credit has backed fast-growing insurtech platform INSTANDA with a growth credit investment facility, giving the business the tools to scale internationally, strengthen its team, and deepen its investment.
Founded in 2015, INSTANDA developed the world’s first no-code platform for insurance product innovation and complex underwriting. In the 11 years since, the business has grown from its UK base to operations in the UK, US, and Australia, with products on its platform now sold in almost every country in the world.
The INSTANDA platform is used by insurance carriers, Managing General Agents (MGAs), and brokers to create policies quickly and efficiently, accelerating routes to market.
Palatine Growth Credit’s funding will be deployed across three priority areas:
Scale: Accelerating INSTANDA’s global footprint across existing and new markets, building on momentum in the UK, USA, and Australia.
Talent: Bringing in crucial hires to strengthen the team and support a growing global client base.
Technology: Significant investment into AI and data science capabilities, enabling greater intelligent automation within the platform.
Palatine Growth Credit’s fund was raised in 2024 to back high-growth technology companies in the UK and sits alongside Palatine’s established Buyout and Impact funds within the wider Palatine Group. INSTANDA chose to partner with the Palatine team on the strength of its track record backing ambitious technology companies and its depth of understanding of the sector.
William Chappel, Managing Partner of Palatine Growth Credit, said: “We are so excited about the potential of INSTANDA. The team has developed an exceptional and exciting bespoke product, and while growth in the UK markets represents a major opportunity for the business, there is a significant amount of global interest already being generated that we’d love to make the most of.
“The management team is in an exceptional place to grow rapidly, and we are thrilled that our growth credit facility will be used for further expansion and success across the globe.”
Tim Hardcastle, Chief Executive Officer at INSTANDA, said: “Since founding INSTANDA in 2015, we’ve built a platform that’s changing how carriers, MGAs and brokers bring insurance products to market, and global demand has never been stronger. Palatine Growth Credit’s backing gives us the firepower to scale our team, strengthen our infrastructure, and deepen our investment in AI and data science, accelerating our growth across existing and new markets worldwide.
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