logo
Jazeera Airways marks historic milestone with first flights to Syria

Jazeera Airways marks historic milestone with first flights to Syria

Zawya02-07-2025
Kuwait City – Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's leading low-cost carrier, today marked a historic milestone with the resumption of its direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus —restoring air connectivity between the two nations for the first time in over 13 years.
The first two flights departed from Jazeera Terminal 5 this morning, with a full passenger load, some of who were back to their home country after several years. For many of the over 200,000 Syrians living in Kuwait—the second-largest Arab community in the country—this moment represents more than just a flight; it is a long-overdue reconnection with their roots, loved ones, and memories.
Jazeera Airways had previously operated services to Damascus, Aleppo, and Deir Ez Zoor. The return to Damascus marks the beginning of renewed engagement with Syria, as the airline responds to strong and growing demand from the community. The route launches with one daily flight, with plans to increase to twice-daily frequencies by the end of the summer travel season. The airline is also exploring future expansions to other Syrian cities in line with market recovery.
Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, stated: 'This is more than just the reopening of a route—it is the restoration of a vital bridge for people. We are proud to re-establish this important connection for the Syrian community in Kuwait and beyond. Many of the passengers on our inaugural flight were returning to Syria for the first time in years, and the emotions witnessed at the departure gate were a powerful reminder of how meaningful this service is. We extend our sincere thanks to the authorities in both Kuwait and Syria for their invaluable support in making this relaunch possible.'
With the launch of flights to Damascus, Jazeera Airways continues to play a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the aspirations of communities across its growing network.
To book flights, travellers can visit www.jazeeraairways.com or Jazeera's mobile application.
About Jazeera Airways
Founded in 2004, Jazeera Airways is a leading low-cost carrier based in Kuwait, serving over 5 million passengers across a network of more than 60 destinations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. Dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality air travel, Jazeera Airways caters to business, leisure, religious, and weekend travellers, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service.
Jazeera Airways currently operates a modern and efficient fleet of 24 Airbus A320ceo and A320neo aircraft, enabling it to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 26 new aircraft from its orderbook, 18 A320neos and 8 A321neos are expected to arrive 2027 onwards.
The only publicly traded airline on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (Boursa Kuwait), Jazeera Airways was recognized as a Fortune 500 Arabia company and named "Great Place to Work" in 2023.
A trailblazer in the aviation sector, Jazeera Airways has introduced several digital initiatives to its customer experience and is one of the first to design, build, and operate its own terminal, Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5), at the Kuwait International Airport.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait: 4 visas under new online system explained; fees, duration, how to apply
Kuwait: 4 visas under new online system explained; fees, duration, how to apply

Khaleej Times

time16 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Kuwait: 4 visas under new online system explained; fees, duration, how to apply

Everybody is welcome. This was the message Kuwaiti officials conveyed as they announced acomprehensive plan for boosting tourism and attracting visitors by facilitating the process of issuing visas. During a recent press conference, a Kuwaiti official from the General Department of Residency Affairs highlighted how the revamped visa procedures have simplified the process for visitors planning to travel to the Gulf nation. The overhaul provides four types of online visas for all nationals except for Israelis, Lieutenant Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Assistant Director of Electronic Services at the department said. Here are the four new options made available by the Kuwaiti authorities: 1. Tourist visa There are four categories of tourist visas under the new system: 1 - Nationals of 52 countries are eligible for a visa without restrictions. They are only required to have a passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry. These countries are: Spain-Portugal-Czech Republic-Denmark-Sweden-The Vatican-Germany-Norway-Finland-Japan-Greece-Ireland-Australia-Estonia-Italy-Andorra-Iceland-Brunei-UK-Belgium-Bulgaria-Bhutan-Poland-US-Romania-San Morino-Slovakia-Slovenia-Singapore-Switzerland-France-Croatia-Cambodia-Canada-South Korea-Latvia-Laos-Luxembourg-Malta-Malaysia-Monaco-New Zealand-Hungary-The Netherlands-Hong Kong-Austria-Ukraine-Georgia-Cyprus-Liechtenstein-Lithuania-Turkey) 2 - Professionals with financial capacity for travel and tourism, and who are residents of GCC countries, US, UK and Schengen nations. They must have: Passport valid for over 6 months For GCC residents: Valid residency that clearly shows the profession and is valid for over 6 months Eligible professions include judges and prosecutors, businessmen, managers, doctors and pharmacists, lawyers, members of the diplomatic corps, university professors, shareholders, directors and officers, engineers, consultants, journalists and media professionals, system analysts and computer programmers, pilots 3 - Nationals of other countries (Not activated yet) This category includes those who prove their financial capacity by methods specified by the Kuwaiti authorities. They are required to have: Passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry Proof of financial solvency through a recent bank statement Confirmed hotel reservation for the entire duration of stay An insurance amount of money will be charged via the visitor's credit card (Visa or MasterCard) at the time of visa payment. This amount is collected in case of violation and refunded upon departure. 4 - Visa applicants pertaining to international and local events and activities. Requirements for this category will be determined according to each event or activity at the time. Tourist visas come in two forms: Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months with a validity of 30 days. Multiple entries for 3, 6 months or 1 year with a stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. 2. Family visit visa To get this visa, applicants are required to provide a proof of family relationship in a document in Arabic or translated into Arabic by a certified translation office. This document can be a marriage contract or a birth certificate. The relationship can be up to the fourth degree of blood relation or third degree by marriage. Family visit visas come in two forms: Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months with a validity of 30 days Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with a stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. 3. Business visa It is granted to individuals whom a private entity—such as a company or organisation—wishes to invite for a visit for business purposes. It comes in two forms: Single entry for 1 month with a validity of 30 days Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with a stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. 4. Government visa Granted to individuals whom a government entity wishes to invite to visit Kuwait from abroad for purposes related to that government entity. There are no specific requirements to obtain a government visit visa; rather, the government entities determine the need for the visit. It comes in two forms: Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months, with a validity of 30 days. Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with a stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. Fees, how to apply The fee for the new visas is 3 Kuwaiti dinars (around Dh36). For a detailed, step by step guide on how to apply, check this video: #CGCKuwait — Ù�رÙ�ز اÙ�ذÙ�اصÙ� اÙ�Ø­Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù� (@CGCKuwait) August 14, 2025

Egypt Kuwait Holding delivers revenue and profit growth in H1 2025
Egypt Kuwait Holding delivers revenue and profit growth in H1 2025

Zawya

time19 hours ago

  • Zawya

Egypt Kuwait Holding delivers revenue and profit growth in H1 2025

Cairo: Egypt Kuwait Holding Company ( and on the Egyptian Exchange and on Boursa Kuwait), one of the MENA region's leading investment companies, reported today its consolidated results for the quarter and period ended 30 June 2025. EKH recorded revenues of USD 397 million in 1H25, up 32% year-on-year (y-o-y), driven by strong top-line performance across the portfolio, reflecting strong operational momentum. Profitability remained healthy, with gross profit and EBITDA margins of 43% and 42%, respectively, supported by robust top-line performance and operational strength across core segments. Net profit came in at USD 101 million, up 1% y-o-y from USD 100 million in 1H24, representing a healthy net profit margin of 26%. The year-on-year comparison is skewed by a one-off FX gain of USD 49 million recorded in 1H24; excluding this, net profit would have more than doubled year-on-year. Net profit attributable to equity holders stabilised at USD 90.4 million. On a quarterly basis, revenues surged by 75% y-o-y and 18% q-o-q to land at USD 215 million in 2Q25. Top-line growth translated into net profit more than doubling y-o-y and rising 57% q-o-q to USD 61.9 million, backed by solid operational performance as well as gains from the ongoing portfolio review and optimization. Commenting on the Group's performance and business outlook, EKH Chairman Loay Jassim Al-Kharafi: 'Our focus remains on implementing a disciplined and adaptive strategy, one that focuses on diversifying our portfolio across sectors and geographies, while rationalising and rebalancing our asset base to unlock value as well as ensure resilience and sustainable growth. In Saudi Arabia, we have commenced commercial operations, supplying natural gas to industrial customers while serving the rapidly growing Dammam Industrial City 3. This achievement marks a significant milestone for EKH, positioning us as a contributor to the Kingdom's industrial base expansion plans and Vision 2030. Meanwhile, our greenfield project in the United Kingdom is nearing financial close, with full details to be disclosed shortly thereafter. The project represents a compelling clean energy opportunity with strong foreign currency earning potential and long-term scalability. We have also made meaningful progress on our exit strategy from Delta Insurance, with the divestment process moving ahead as planned and anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, pending the necessary regulatory approvals. We remain on track with our corporate identity transformation, with the Board having resolved to call for a General Assembly meeting to vote on changing the company's name to 'Valmore Holding.' This new identity builds on the success we have achieved as Egypt Kuwait Holding, while aligning our positioning with our future growth plans and international expansion strategy. It reflects our ambition to transform EKH from a leading regional investment platform into a world-class global investment company. As we look ahead to the remainder of the year, our focus remains on optimising our portfolio to deliver shareholder value, while driving sustainable, long-term growth across our platform.' Commenting on the Group's 1H25 results, EKH CEO, Jon Rokk: 'We are pleased to report a strong first half of 2025 marked by solid operational performance, growth across key subsidiaries and meaningful progress on our strategic roadmap. At AlexFert, while feedstock interruptions during 2Q weighed on utilisation, the impact on performance was far softer relative to last year, with double-digit y-o-y growth recorded across both revenue and net profit. At Sprea, management continues to execute on its market share expansion strategy, with 1H25 sales rising 21% y-o-y in USD terms. Meanwhile, Nilewood produced its first MDF wood board in June. With final commissioning underway, we look forward to launching full commercial operations in the fourth quarter. NatEnergy continues to expand gas connections within its concession areas, delivering sustained growth and reinforcing management's focus on margin-accretive activities. Our upstream asset, ONS, delivered 9% y-o-y revenue growth in 1H25 following the ramp up of production at the two newly commissioned wells. We also made good progress on our portfolio optimisation plans. The signing of the agreement to manage the sale of Delta Insurance and the subsequent offer made by Wafa Assurance, mark key milestones in our ongoing divestment program. In addition, we continue to unlock value from our balance sheet through monetisation of either non-core, or underperforming assets or investments. To this end, we've divested Shield Gas in the UAE during the first quarter and other investments in the second quarter, generating over USD 35 million during 1H25. As we enter the second half of the year, our focus remains on disciplined strategy execution, portfolio and balance sheet optimisation, and sustainable value creation. In line with this vision, the Board has resolved to call for a General Assembly meeting to vote on amending the company's name to 'Valmore Holding.' This is a significant milestone in our broader corporate identity transformation, aligning our market presence with our ambitions for future growth and international expansion.' Fertilizers | AlexFert AlexFert booked USD 118 million in revenues in 1H25, reflecting a solid 11% y-o-y increase, driven by a 19% y-o-y increase in export urea prices, which averaged USD396/ton (vs. USD333/ton in 1H24). Both gross profit and EBITDA margins expanded by 2pp y-o-y in 1H25, recording 40% and 47%, respectively. 1H25 net profit came in at USD 40.3 million, translating into a 2pp y-o-y expansion in net profit margin to reach 34% in 1H25. AlexFert is poised for an improved operational trajectory, with management demonstrating greater agility in navigating feedstock supply challenges. The favorable price environment is expected to persist through year-end, as export urea prices maintain strong momentum, surpassing the USD 400/ton mark in June and climbing further to USD 476/ton in July. Petrochemicals | Sprea Misr Sprea Misr reported revenues of USD 89.6 million in 1H25, up 21% y-o-y, driven by higher sales volumes as a result of management's strategy to grow market share. Gross profit and EBITDA margins landed at 21% and 20%, respectively, in 1H25. Net profit recorded USD 18.2 million in 1H25, with net profit margin coming in at 20%. Sprea's medium-term outlook remains favorable, as local prices continue to stabilise at current inflationary levels, as demand continues to benefit from the ongoing recovery in construction activity, and on management's efforts to expand footprint both locally and abroad, with export sales rising to represent c21% of total sales in 2Q25, up from c17% in 1Q25. Utilities | NatEnergy NatEnergy 's revenues rose 43% y-o-y in EGP terms and 15% y-o-y in USD terms in 1H25, driven by higher installations and increased connections to margin-accretive households. Margins remained robust with gross and EBITDA margins at 30% and 29%, respectively. 1H25 net profit came in at USD 10.7 million, with net profit margin landing at 32%. NatEnergy's outlook remains positive, underpinned by several anticipated developments expected to support blended margin expansion, including potential connection price hikes, revisions to government-set commission fees, and increasing margin-accretive household connections, complemented by a further enhanced revenue mix as well as ongoing strategic cost-efficiency measures. Utilities | Kahraba Kahraba 's revenues rose y-o-y in both USD and EGP terms in 1H25, fueled by sustained strong momentum in its electricity distribution business, with distribution volumes growing 40% y-o-y. Gross and EBITDA margins came in at 17% and 19%, respectively, in 1H25. 1H25 net profit landed at USD 2.93 million, with net profit margin at 11%. Kahraba is currently investing in a second substation within its 10th of Ramadan concession area to meet rising demand, driven by accelerating industrial activity within the zone, and as management continues to pursue strategic concession acquisitions in 10th of Ramadan and other high-potential areas. Oil and gas | ONS ONS recorded revenues of USD 31.2 million in 1H25, up 9% y-o-y, supported by higher production capacity following the reopening of old shut-in wells and the ramp-up of two new wells commissioned by 2024-end. The company maintained healthy margins, with gross and EBITDA margins at 54% and 82%, respectively, in 1H25. Meanwhile, 1H25 net profit reached USD 15.3 million, reflecting a healthy net profit margin of 49%. ONS's outlook remains promising, supported by stable production volumes from recently commissioned wells and enhanced operational efficiency. Long-term operational continuity and growth prospects are further supported by the 10-year extension to ONS' Concession Agreement and the awarding of the strategically located Fayrouz Onshore Concession, which boasts minimal tie-in costs and rapid monetisation potential. NBFS & Diversified The diversified segment delivered revenues of USD 96.7 million in 1H25, boosted by the gain from the sale of Shield Gas during the first quarter and other investments during the second quarter as part of management's ongoing portfolio optimisation efforts. Net profit from Mohandes Insurance grew 20.5% y-o-y in 1H25, reflecting the sustained growth of Egypt's insurance sector. Meanwhile, Bedayti posted an attributable net profit of EGP 41.9 million in 1H25, up 42% y-o-y, demonstrating continued growth within a fast-growing sector, despite elevated interest rates. The segment's overall outlook is supported by progress on Delta Insurance's sale process, which advances EKH's capital recycling strategy and reduces EGP exposure, the planned ramp-up of Nilewood to full commercial operations in 4Q25 following first MDF production in June, and the continued early-stage expansion of commercial operations in Saudi Arabia supplying natural gas to industrial customers. EKH's standalone and consolidated financial statements and full earnings release for the period ended 30 June 2025 are available for download at About EK Holding Egypt Kuwait Holding Company ( and on the Egyptian Exchange and on the Boursa Kuwait) is one of the MENA region's leading investment companies. Established in 1997 by a consortium of Kuwaiti and Egyptian businessmen, EKH's investment portfolio is diversified across various sectors and geographies, spanning five strategic sectors, including chemicals, building materials, utilities, oil and gas, as well as non-banking financial services. EKH is committed to sustainable value creation through focused investments in capacity along with an agile strategy, adapting quickly to market dynamics to ensure it seizes opportunities and secures long-term success. EKH is a well-governed dual-listed entity that has consistently delivered superior returns to shareholders through market-beating stock performance and consistent dividend distributions, supported by a diverse investment portfolio with superior cashflow generation ability and a capable management team with a proven track record across multiple sectors and geographies. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Egypt Kuwait Holding Company (EKH). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors; undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Certain information contained herein constitutes 'targets' or 'forward-looking statements,' which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'may,' 'will,' 'seek,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'project,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'continue' or 'believe' or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Actual events or results or the actual performance of EKH may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements. The performance of EKH is subject to risks and uncertainties.

Gulf Insurance Group announces Net profit of KD 12.6mln ($41.1mln) for the first half of 2025
Gulf Insurance Group announces Net profit of KD 12.6mln ($41.1mln) for the first half of 2025

Zawya

time19 hours ago

  • Zawya

Gulf Insurance Group announces Net profit of KD 12.6mln ($41.1mln) for the first half of 2025

Kuwait City: Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) announced that it achieved a net insurance result of KD 15.6 million (US$ 51.2 million) for the first half of 2025, compared to KD 16.6 million (US$ 54.4 million) for the same period last year. Net investment income reached KD 28.2 million (US$ 92.4 million) for the first half of 2025, compared to KD 31.6 million (US$ 103.2 million) recorded for the same period last year. Net profit stood at KD 12.6 million (US$ 41.1 million) for the first half of 2025, equivalent to earnings per share of 38.68 fils (US$ 0.127) compared to a net profit of KD 16.8 million (US$ 54.9 million) or 59.03 fils per share (USD 0.193) for the same period last year. Insurance revenue reached KD 359.6 million (US$ 1.2 billion) compared to KD 449.2 million (US$ 1.5 billion) recorded for the same period last year. The book value per share reached 864 fils as of June 30, 2025, compared to 852 fils as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 1.4%. Equity attributable to the shareholders of the parent company amounted to KD 245.9 million (US$ 804.4 million) as of June 30, 2025, an increase of 1.4% compared to the equity attributable to the shareholders of the parent company as of December 31, 2024, which amounted to KWD 242.6 million (USD 793.3 million). Total assets reached KD 1.26 billion (US$ 4.12 billion) as of June 30, 2025, compared to KD 1.24 billion (US$ 4.05 billion) as of December 31, 2024, an increase of KD 23.4 million (US$ 77 million), representing a 1.9% increase. As it continues to strengthen its international footprint and capabilities, GIG remains one of the largest and most diversified insurance groups in the MENA region where it focuses on shaping a valuable insurance ecosystem. The Group extended its gratitude to its customers, shareholders, namely FAIRFAX, and board members for their continued trust in the Group's strategy, further thanking employees for their dedication and efforts and all the concerned authorities in the State of Kuwait for their continuous cooperation to develop the Kuwaiti insurance sector. About GIG: GIG is the largest insurance Group in Kuwait in terms of written and retained premiums, with operations in life and non-life as well as Takaful insurance. GIG has become one of the largest insurance networks in the Middle East and North Africa with companies in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, UAE, KSA, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, and Lebanon. Its reported consolidated assets stand at US$ 4.12 billion as at 30 June 2025. Gulf Insurance Group enjoys the privilege of being the first triple-rated insurance Group in Kuwait. The Group holds a Financial Strength Rating of 'A' (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of 'a+' (Excellent) with Stable outlook from A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited, a Financial Strength Rating of 'A+' with Stable outlook from Standard & Poor's and an Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) of 'A2' from Moody's Investors Service carrying a Stable outlook. GIG is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a Canadian holding company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. The conversion rate applied is KD 0.305757 per US$1 Further information: Khalid Al Sanousi Group Executive Manager, Corporate Comms. & IR khalids@ Philemon Rajan Manager, Corp. Comms. & IR prajan@

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store