Brazil strengthens ties with Gulf nations ahead of COP30
The meeting with representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain aimed to strengthen ties, enhance cooperation, and attract investment in logistics, infrastructure and sustainable solutions, as part of preparations for COP30, according to Agência Brasil. The event is scheduled for November 2025 in Belém.
Sabino, who is acting as the federal government's liaison with strategic blocs, said that this year's climate conference would be a unique opportunity to project the Amazon as host of a high-level global event.
'Our commitment is for COP30 to be remembered not only for the decisions that will be made, but for the exemplary experience we will offer. We want it to be the best COP in history — the COP of the Forest — showing the world the strength of our hospitality, organisation and respect for the environment,' the minister said.
He said the presence of Gulf representatives in Belém is strategic in highlighting the Amazon's role as home to more than 30 million people whose communities preserve the rainforest.
During the meeting with the ambassadors, Sabino presented a range of local development initiatives: the modernisation of Belém's hotel network, improvements to urban transport, the expansion of the regional air network, and incentives for accommodation providers — all aligned with the objective of ensuring adequate infrastructure and logistics for the global summit.
The minister said Brazil's push to broaden international participation at COP30 would continue in the coming months, positioning the Amazon as a hub for innovation, sustainability and cooperation.
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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.
