Badr Nasser Al Kharafi

Badr Al Kharafi is a prominent Kuwaiti engineer and businessman, widely recognized for steering the executive committee at the renowned Al Kharafi Group. Frequently listed among the most influential Arab personalities, Al Kharafi appeared prominently in Arabian Business magazine’s rankings. His expertise spans across various sectors including telecommunications, finance, engineering, and social responsibility, positioning him as a leading force within the region’s commercial and philanthropic landscapes.

As a distinguished figure in the Gulf’s corporate world, he has successfully led multiple large-scale enterprises to notable growth. His roles include being the Chairman of Zain Saudi Arabia, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Zain Group, and advisory positions at prominent financial institutions.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Al Kharafi dedicates significant effort to philanthropy, actively engaging in efforts that help refugees and disadvantaged populations across different regions.

Badr Al Kharafi prioritizes family time even during charitable activities, believing in experiential learning.

Born and raised in 1977 in Kuwait City, Badr Al Kharafi belongs to one of Kuwait’s prominent business families. His father, Nasser Al Kharafi, was a respected entrepreneur, and his mother is Fawzia Al-Rifai. Growing up in this environment naturally instilled in him a deep understanding of the business world.

Al Kharafi’s academic pursuit began at Kuwait University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2002. Soon after graduation, he joined the Al Kharafi Group, taking his first steps as a coordination engineer, gaining hands-on experience with one of the largest private-sector conglomerates in the region. He later continued his academic journey by earning an MBA from the prestigious London Business School in 2016.

Al Kharafi is married with two children, Nasser and Fawzia. Known for his hands-on family values, he frequently includes his family members in various charitable initiatives. He has four siblings: Marzouq, Faisal, Hataf, and Heba, and comes from a Muslim background.

Al Kharafi’s professional legacy is marked by numerous significant achievements:

– **2003** – Appointed as Managing Director at Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Company, eventually becoming its Chairman in 2007.

– **2007** – Joined the Board of Directors at Bahrain’s Foulath Holding Company.

– **2010** – Under Badr’s leadership, Gulf Cable achieved extraordinary revenue growth, surpassing $1 billion in profits.

– **2012** – Took the reins as head of the executive committee of Al Kharafi Group and Chairman at Zain Saudi Arabia.

– **2013** – Served as Managing Director at Iraq-based Al-Khatem Telecommunications.

– **2014** – Joined the Middle East Advisory Board of Coutts Bank, a reputed British financial institution.

– Memberships in several prestigious boards including Kuwait-British Friendship Society, Gulf Bank, Coca-Cola Kuwait, and various corporate entities.

– **2015** – Named second-most influential Arab under 40 by Arabian Business, and regarded as Kuwait’s most influential figure under 40.

– **2017 onwards** – Appointed CEO and Chairman of Zain Group, boosting regional telecommunications influence.

Badr emphasizes hands-on philanthropy. For instance, he personally visited Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon, distributing aid through initiatives named after his late father, Nasser Al Kharafi. Believing in experiencing suffering first-hand, he often takes his family along, emphasizing empathy and transparency in humanitarian efforts.