• Consolidated net profit reached AED 14.4 billion, growing 34 per cent Year-over-Year
• e&’s subscriber base increased to 244.7 million across Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe
• Full year dividend per share of 90 fils that will increase to 95 fils in 2026
• Hatem Dowidar the Group CEO will step down at the end of March after 6 years in the role
• Masood M. Sharif Mahmood will take over on April 1^st as the Group CEO, in addition to his current role as CEO of e& UAE.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — e& has delivered record financial performance in 2025, reporting consolidated revenues of AED 72.9 billion, an increase of 23.1 per cent year-over-year (YoY).  

e& delivers record revenue and net profit in FY 2025 growing consolidated revenue 23% to AED 72.9 billion

Consolidated net profits grew to AED 14.4 billion, growing 33.6 per cent, driven by progress across its business verticals. Consolidated EBITDA rose by 21.1 per cent YoY, reaching AED 32.0 billion.

e& UAE continued its solid performance, with its subscriber base surpassing 16.3 million, representing an increase of 8.4 per cent compared to the previous year. The group’s total subscriber base grew to 244.7 million, marking a 31.3 per cent growth compared to 2024.

 Financial highlights for FY 2025

For FY 2025, the board has proposed a cash dividend of 47 fils per share for the second half (July to December) of 2025, bringing the total annual dividend to 90 fils per share. The board has also announced that the total annual dividend will increase in 2026 to reach 95 fils per share—further highlighting e&’s commitment to delivering added value to its shareholders.

Also today, e& announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Hatem Dowidar, has decided to step down from his position as Group CEO after 6 years in the role. The Board of Directors has accepted his resignation, with his last day in service to be 31 March 2026.

Dowidar has led e& since 2020, steering the organisation through a period of significant transformation and international expansion. Under his leadership, e& accelerated its strategic evolution from a regional telecommunications operator into a global technology and group, strengthening its footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, and advancing its digital, fintech, enterprise and digital lifestyle verticals. During his tenure, the Group delivered record financial performance and reinforced its position as one of the world’s leading technology and telecom brands.

The Board of Directors has appointed Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, who has been serving as Chief Executive Officer of e& UAE since 2021, as successor to assume the roles of both, Group Chief Executive Officer of e& and Chief Executive Officer – UAE, effective 1 April 2026.

H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, said: “e&’s record 2025 results reflect the continued success of our strategy to evolve into a global technology group anchored by strong business pillars and disciplined execution. We are redefining the future of connectivity and enabling new possibilities across enterprise solutions, fintech and digital platforms.

On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere appreciation to Hatem for his leadership and the significant progress achieved during his tenure. He has played a key role in advancing e&’s transformation and strengthening long-term shareholder value, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Hatem Dowidar said: “It has been an honour to lead e& during a defining chapter in its history. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, transforming our business, expanding internationally, and building new growth engines for the future. The record results achieved in 2025 reflect the strength of our strategy, the resilience of our operating model, and the dedication of our people.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Chairman, the Board, our leadership team and all our employees for their unwavering commitment and support. I remain confident in e&’s continued success in the years ahead under the leadership of Masood.”

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood said:

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of e& and grateful for the opportunity to lead this ambitious global company,”. Masood, who brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in communications, investments and technology sectors, also said “I want to thank Eng Hatem Dowidar for his exceptional leadership and partnership and the Chairman and the Board of Directors for their trust and endorsement. I look forward to building on our shared achievements with our talented teams, OpCos, and partners worldwide.”

e& remains focused on executing its strategic priorities, embedding advanced technologies including AI across its operations, and delivering sustainable value for its shareholders, customers, partners and the communities it serves.

Media contact:
Nancy Sudheer
Senior Manager
nsudheer@eand.com 
+971 50 705 5290

e& delivers record revenue and net profit in FY 2025 growing consolidated revenue 23% to AED 72.9 billion

Academic Institutions in Bahrain, India, and Mexico to Offer UA Curriculum

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today announced the launch of its Universal Acceptance (UA) Curriculum program. UA is a technical necessity for a multilingual Internet, ensuring that all valid domain names and related email addresses can be used by all Internet-enabled applications, devices, and systems regardless of script, language, or character length.

The UA Curriculum program allows academic institutions to integrate topics such as Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), Email Address Internationalization (EAI), and UA into relevant degree programs at no charge. ICANN works with the universities to conduct faculty training and integrate these topics into new or existing courses. Three academic institutions have signed agreements with ICANN and are currently integrating the UA Curriculum into their course offerings.

• American University of Bahrain (AUBH): “We are proud to sign this agreement with ICANN, which represents a significant milestone in the University’s journey towards strengthening its position as a leading academic institution in the fields of computing and advanced digital technologies,” said Dr. Marwan Hameed, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at the American University of Bahrain. “Integrating the Universal Acceptance curriculum into our programs enhances the readiness of our graduates to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the Internet and technology landscape, while opening wider opportunities for them to contribute to the development.”
• Universidad Modelo: “At Universidad Modelo, we share the idea of integrating everyone, and the Internet has provided an opportunity to trigger this vision and participate,” said Dr. Jorge Carlos Canto Esquivel, Academic Coordinator of the Silvio Zavala Research Center at Modelo University. “Our motto is ‘Para Si, Para Todos’ in line with ICANN’s vision of a single, globally interoperable Internet for all.”
• Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology (SRIT): “This collaboration is a stepping stone toward the institution’s commitment to the future of Internet Governance,” stated Dr. J. David Rathnaraj, the Principal of Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology.

ICANN also is working with the Association of African Universities to integrate the curriculum into universities in Africa.

About the UA Curriculum
The UA Curriculum includes 12 modules on UA and related topics including internationalization of software applications, IDNs, and EAI, which are key to enabling a multilingual Internet and domain name system.

The Importance of UA
UA is essential to ensuring domain names, including newer, longer top-level domains and those in different languages (in their scripts), such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Tamil, and Thai, work as expected in the Domain Name System (DNS). These domain names provide users with a broader choice of digital identities and allows Internet users to better embrace and proliferate cultural traditions online.

Public and private sector organizations across the global are making their systems UA-ready to better serve their communities by supporting domain names and related email addresses in local languages and scripts. Entities that are UA-ready are well-positioned to reach a broader range of current Internet users, as well as the next billion who will come online.

Awareness and understanding of internationalization, IDNs, EAI and UA can give students considering careers as a software developer or related technical focus a competitive advantage, particularly within entities that want to be at the forefront of their industry and are keeping pace with the rapidly evolving multilingual technology and DNS.

To learn more, visit https://www.icann.org/ua.

About ICANN
ICANN’s mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. For more information, visit https://www.icann.org.

NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LBB Specialties (LBBS), a North American distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, today announced a new authorized distribution partnership with Kemitura to offer Kemitura’s fumed silica products to customers across the United States and Canada.

Through this partnership, LBB Specialties will distribute KemituraSil® fumed silica into the C.A.S.E. (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) markets, further strengthening its Industrial Specialties portfolio. The collaboration expands LBB Specialties’ ability to support customers with high-performance materials and application-driven technical solutions.

KemituraSil® fumed silica is available in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic grades and is widely used for thixotropy control, thickening, reinforcement, free-flow and anti-caking performance, insulation filling, and binding applications. These solutions support a broad range of end uses, including coatings, adhesives and sealants, elastomers, silicones, composites, paper, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Manufactured in Ukraine since 1977, Kemitura’s fumed silica products are backed by decades of technical expertise and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, safety, and continuous product development. Kemitura’s approach emphasizes substitution strategies that help replace traditional chemistries with more environmentally responsible alternatives.

As an authorized distributor, LBB Specialties will work closely with customers and partners to develop new business opportunities for Kemitura’s fumed silica technologies while delivering formulation support, market insight, and reliable supply across North America.

For more information about KemituraSil® fumed silica, please contact LBB Specialties today.

LBB Specialties (LBBS) is a dedicated provider of specialty chemicals and ingredients, specializing in sales, marketing, and distribution across North America. LBBS provides technical solutions with a customer-first approach, serving diverse end-markets through five industry business units: Care, Food & Nutrition, Industrial Specialties, Life Sciences, and Canada. www.LBBSpecialties.com

Media Contact:
Ahmed Hanafy
media@lbbspecialties.com

About Kemitura

Founded in 1941, Kemitura Group is a chemical and technical corporation serving multiple global industries with both specialty chemicals and technical equipment. The company’s name—derived from Kemi (chemistry) and Futura (future)—reflects its long-standing commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and close collaboration with customers.

TOKYO and NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MSIG USA and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (MSI Japan), collectively referred to in this release as MSIG, today announced their participation in a new insurance-backed credit facility with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, designed to expand access to finance in emerging markets.

Under the facility, MSIG supports IFC’s efforts to increase lending to banks and financial institutions in emerging markets, enabling greater access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises and other growth-oriented sectors.

This credit insurance policy forms part of IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), a platform designed to mobilize private-sector capacity in support of development finance. By transferring a portion of credit risk to the insurance market, the structure enhances IFC’s capital efficiency and enables additional lending in markets where access to long-term financing remains constrained.

“At MSIG USA, our Political Risk and Trade Credit expertise is grounded in MS&AD’s broader mission to contribute to a more vibrant society,” said Daniel Riordan, Head of Political Risk and Trade Credit at MSIG USA. “With A+ Class XV financial strength and experience working seamlessly across regions, we are proud to enable financial resilience and economic development in emerging markets with partners like IFC.”

“We are honored to participate in this program through a collaboration with MSIG USA and excited to contribute to the sustainable development of the global environment and society,” said Junichiro Mizukami, Managing Executive Officer at MSI Japan.

This $6 billion credit insurance policy is one of the largest credit insurance programs arranged by a multilateral development institution to date and represents IFC’s latest execution under the MCPP framework. It will support up to $10 billion in new IFC lending to commercial banks and other institutions. It also marks MSIG’s first participation in an IFC MCPP Credit insurance facility, building on MSIG’s long-standing global engagement in structured risk transfer solutions. MSIG’s global underwriting platform and experience supporting complex, cross-border credit exposures enable close alignment with IFC’s due diligence and risk management frameworks.

“This credit insurance facility shows how private insurers can unlock larger investments and enable more lending to small and medium-sized businesses in emerging markets,” said Kevin Njiraini, Director of Syndicated Loans and Mobilization at IFC. “We thank MSIG for their partnership in delivering this facility, which mobilizes insurers’ underwriting capacity to drive growth and create jobs.”

Through this partnership, MSIG supports IFC’s mission to promote private-sector development, job creation, and economic resilience across emerging and developing economies.

About MSIG USA
MSIG USA is the marketing term used to refer to MSIG Holdings (U.S.A.), Inc. (“MSIGH”), its insurance subsidiaries, and their managers. MSIGH’s insurers are Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance USA Inc., and MSIG Specialty Insurance USA Inc. The insurers are managed by Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Management (U.S.A.), Inc. and MSIG Insurance Services, Inc. MSIGH is a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., one of the world’s top P&C carriers with a 350-year heritage, A+, Class 15 ratings, and a global reach that spans 40+ countries and regions. MSIG USA brings the financial strength, underwriting expertise, exceptional claims management, global footprint, and innovation necessary to offer commercial insurance solutions that address unique risks businesses face in today’s market. Its nationwide network of over 600 professionals enables it to provide responsive and personalized service for its clients. The US-based insurance subsidiaries are admitted in all P&C lines in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. To learn more, visit www.msigusa.com.

About MSI Japan
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (MSI Japan) operates under the auspices of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. Established on October 21, 1918, MSI Japan has a rich history that extends back over 350 years through the legacies of the Mitsui and Sumitomo groups. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive insurance and financial services worldwide, currently operating in 41 countries and regions. MSI Japan ‘s services span various domains, including domestic non-life insurance, international business, financial services, and digital risk-related services, thereby ensuring that we address the complex risks that businesses face in today’s evolving landscape. Financially, MSI Japan asserts a robust standing, with a financial strength rating of A+ from Standard & Poor’s and an A1 rating from Moody’s. This stability allows us to meet the diverse insurance needs of our clients effectively. To learn more, visit www.ms-ins.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This March the first release since last year of Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon will be shipped from the distillery. This 2026 release has been approved by Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee and Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

McKee observed, “Because barrels even next to each other in the rickhouse don’t necessarily all age the same, we overage our whiskey and wait beyond the ten year mark and then select fully matured barrels for Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon. Our team is excited when we have 10 Year Bourbon that we feel is up to our high standards and ready to release.”

Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon is 94.4 Proof (47.2% ABV). According to Wilson, “The 2026 release of Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon is again a smooth, rich, complex, and captivating pour that evokes feelings of warm, reminiscent appreciation of a great whiskey.  With its rich array of flavors it continues to remind that you don’t have to have a high proof to get a rich, flavorful drinking experience.”

The 2026 release will have a suggested retail price of $195 for a 750ml bottle in the U.S. “Ten Year Bourbon is very special for us because, along with 10 Year Rye, it was one of the two first types that Kentucky Michter’s ever released. As our team has continued to strive towards the goal of producing the greatest American whiskey, we have done all we can to make each offering of our 10 Year Bourbon a full flavored, rich whiskey that offers a memorable taste experience,” commented Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco.

In October 2025, Michter’s became the first whiskey to be named in three consecutive years The World’s Most Admired Whiskey by an international academy of voters convened by UK-based Drinks International. Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. For more information about Michter’s, please visit michters.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Contact:
Joseph J. Magliocco
+1 (502) 774-2300 x580
jmagliocco@michters.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dark circles remain one of the most searched skincare concerns, with consumers looking for solutions that visibly brighten, smooth, and refresh tired under eyes. K-beauty brand COSRX addresses this demand by with the launch of the 5 PDRN Collagen Vitalizing Hydrogel Eye Patch, debuting exclusively on TikTok Shop during TikTok’s New Arrivals Day from March 18 through March 31.

Bringing PDRN Into a Targeted Eye Patch Format

Following strong consumer response to its viral 5 PDRN skincare line, COSRX introduces the collection’s revitalizing benefits in a focused under-eye format. Building on the success of its best-selling Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, the newly released 5 PDRN Collagen Vitalizing Hydrogel Eye Patch delivers targeted care designed to visibly target dark circles and dullness.

At the core of the formula is a multi-source PDRN complex featuring five types of PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide). While most PDRN products rely on a single source, commonly salmon-derived PDRN, COSRX incorporates a broader blend, including centella asiatica, green caviar, rice, and lactobacillus. These varied sources are selected for their smaller molecular sizes, supporting enhanced absorption and optimized delivery to the delicate under-eye area.

In addition to the five types of PDRN, the formula enhanced with a brightening complex featuring Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Vitamin C, and Glutathione, ingredients known to support a more even-looking and radiant tone. Designed as a multi-functional treatment, the hydrogel eye patch helps to:

• brighten the appearance of dark circles
• smooth the look of fine lines
• deliver soothing hydration

TikTok Shop Exclusive: New Arrivals (March 18–31)

The 5 PDRN Collagen Vitalizing Hydrogel Eye Patch will debut exclusively on TikTok Shop as part of TikTok’s New Arrivals Day running from March 18 through March 31, where shoppers can enjoy a 13% launch discount.

Throughout the promotional period, customers who purchase the eye patch will also receive a full-size Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence as a complimentary gift. Select TikTok LIVE sessions will feature additional bundle savings along with exclusive limited-edition COSRX mini bag or pouch gifts for viewers.

With limited-time exclusivity and added benefits, skincare enthusiasts are encouraged to set their reminders and secure the launch beginning March 18 before the New Arrivals Deal concludes.

About COSRX

Rooted in science and driven by results, COSRX is a global skincare brand known for its high-performance yet affordable formulations that target real skin concerns with minimal ingredients and maximum efficacy. Trusted by skincare lovers worldwide, COSRX delivers visible results through carefully selected actives in concentrated doses. Discover its award-winning lineup at retailers including COSRX.com, Amazon, ULTA, Revolve, Dermstore, Nordstrom and Target. Follow @cosrx on Instagram and TikTok for the latest product drops, tips, and trends.

Former SVP/Head of National Retail Sales at Samsung Electronics America brings institutional retail discipline and go-to-market rigor to Growvana’s global commerce platform.

DALLAS, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Growvana, the global operating layer for modern commerce, today announced the appointment of James Krakowski to its Advisory Board. Krakowski, currently Global Chief Commercial Officer at Megapixel and formerly Senior Vice President and Head of National Retail Sales at Samsung Electronics America, joins the company as an Advisor to the Board. His appointment signals a significant advancement in Growvana’s institutional maturity as the company accelerates the deployment of its integrated capital and infrastructure platform for consumer brands worldwide.

Growvana is systematically constructing the financial and operational backbone for the next generation of global commerce. By integrating purchase order funding, fulfillment infrastructure, and demand generation into a single operating layer, the company provides scaling brands with the requisite architecture to compete in a fragmented global marketplace. Krakowski’s arrival underscores the company’s commitment to layering institutional-grade commercial discipline atop this infrastructure.

Krakowski brings decades of senior leadership experience in consumer electronics, retail strategy, and complex B2B ecosystems. During his tenure as Head of National Retail Sales and SVP at Samsung Electronics America from August 2022 through December 2025, he steered commercial strategy across the company’s most critical retail partnerships.

As Advisor to the Board, Krakowski will help ensure discipline and help guide Growvana’s go-to-market strategy, investment cadence, and organizational design. His experience and leadership will support converting Growvana’s rapid expansion into repeatable, scalable playbooks. Specifically, he will help guide the development of executive-level engagement strategies, ensuring that Growvana’s portfolio brands are positioned effectively within major retail channels.

“We are moving past the phase of proving our model and into the phase of industrializing it,” said Justin McMillan, Founder and CEO of Growvana. “James brings a caliber of retail discipline and go-to-market precision that is rare in our sector. His guidance will be instrumental as we structure our global expansion and deepen our integration with the world’s largest retail ecosystems.”

Krakowski’s expertise is particularly relevant as Growvana seeks to bridge the gap between agile, digital-native brands and the structured requirements of mass retail. His experience navigating the complex requirements of the retail ecosystem will provide Growvana’s leadership team with critical foresight as they navigate high-volume commercial agreements.

“The commerce landscape is fragmented, and brands are struggling to align capital with execution,” said James Krakowski. “What excites me about Growvana is that they aren’t just offering funding or logistics in isolation; they are building the complete operating system—capital, infrastructure, and a demand engine combined. I look forward to helping the Board and leadership team build the systems and repeatable growth models necessary to scale this vision globally.”

This appointment reinforces Growvana’s strategy of surrounding its executive team with seasoned operators who possess deep domain expertise in global supply chain, retail merchandising, and corporate governance.

“James’s track record of managing complex commercial relationships at the highest levels of the consumer electronics industry makes him an invaluable asset to our governance structure,” said Ryan Mulvany, Head of Growth at Growvana. “His perspective will help ensure our strategic planning remains grounded in the realities of the global retail market.”

About Growvana

Growvana is the operating layer for modern commerce, providing a unified platform that enables consumer brands to scale globally. The company combines non-dilutive capital deployment, global distribution and fulfillment infrastructure, and an integrated demand generation engine into a single commercial stack. By solving the structural inefficiencies of inventory financing and logistics, Growvana empowers brands to focus on product innovation while the platform handles the complexities of global execution.

About James Krakowski

James Krakowski is a veteran commercial leader with deep expertise in consumer electronics, retail strategy, and global business development. He currently serves as Global Chief Commercial Officer at Megapixel. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of National Retail Sales at Samsung Electronics America (2022–2025), where he led commercial strategy across the national retail landscape. His career encompasses extensive leadership roles focused on driving revenue growth, optimizing channel strategy, and building high-performance sales organizations.