ABOUT US
The Success Story of ZK Holding
ZK Holding is a leading investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Its umbrella includes decades of sister companies. Building on years of experience and a legacy of successful projects, we collaborate with brands across sectors to create sustainable value for our investors and contribute to the economic growth of the regions in which we operate.
Our pillars are built on the rich legacy of our sister companies, which provide decades of experience as a foundation for our strategic vision. We are committed to promoting sustainable development for both companies and individuals, especially in light of the dynamic global economy we live in today.
At ZK Holding, we operate under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and are committed to the highest standards of transparency and best financial practices, to build trust and ensure sustainable progress.
ZK Holding includes a diversified investment portfolio that includes a range of key sectors, most notably finance, insurance, technology and energy, and we collaborate with prominent brands to take advantage of important investment opportunities.
Our strategic focus on markets such as Iraq and the United Arab Emirates enables us to leverage our local expertise and promote sustainable economic growth, drive innovation, and contribute to the prosperity of our communities.
Vision:
Building a legacy of sustainable value through developing innovative businesses that shape the future of emerging markets.
Mission:
We empower entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and drive innovation across sectors by focusing on discovering innovative projects.
OUR VALUES
We reshape perceptions by adopting a global vision that sets new and unprecedented standards of expectations.
Investing in human and material potential through collaboration and joint effort to achieve our limitless ambitions.
We are committed to fulfilling our promises, building bridges of trust, and fostering lasting loyalty through relationships based on transparency and credibility.
We strengthen strategic partnerships to lead transformation and unlock new opportunities that contribute to supporting economic development toward a promising future.
Our Leadership Journey
Our Leadership Journey
The story of ZK Holding began in the 1960s with the vision of the Khalaf Abdul Karim family, who established a group of companies that quickly became influential forces in the Iraqi market. These companies, which cover diverse sectors, from banking and insurance to energy, services, industrial sector, real estate and tourism, laid the foundation for ZK Holding’s emergence as a major player in the region’s economy.
Building on this legacy, Dr. Zead Khalaf, a second-generation leader, has led ZK Holding towards a global future of growth and innovation. His extensive experience in international and regional organizations, including his membership in the United Nations Economic and Social Council in Geneva, the Union of Arab Banks, the International Union of Arab Bankers, the Board of Directors of the International Chamber of Commerce / United Arab Emirates ICC, and the Board of Trustees of the Arab Academy for Administrative, Financial and Banking Sciences.
His strategic vision has been the driving force behind many achievements, including the International Development Bank receiving the award for the most innovative and technological bank, ZK Holding’s expansion into new markets, and being honoured with the Arab Tourism Medal of the First Class, confirming his commitment to driving sustainable economic growth in the region. ZK Holding’s leadership, rooted in a rich history and guided by an invaluable forward-looking vision of global economic trends and opportunities, works to strengthen the company’s strategic vision and facilitate international partnerships.
Our Principles
Fostering Innovation, Trust and Leadership
At ZK Holding, our success is based on a set of strong core values that guide all aspects of our activities.
Innovation: We embrace a culture of continuous development and seek new ideas and technologies to drive growth and create added value.
Trust: We believe that strong and direct relationships are the key to success. We are committed to integrity and working to build trust with our partners and customers to achieve sustainable results.
Leadership: We strive to achieve excellence and leadership by increasing our market share, our firm commitment to sustainable development, and our creation of positive social impacts that benefit our communities.
Advancing with Determination
as Khalaf Abd Karim Contracting Company
OUR ORIGINS
Our foundation is built on the legacy of our sister companies, which began their journey in the 1960s as a contracting firm under the name “Khalaf Abdul Karim.” Today, ZK Holding stands at the forefront of leading economic companies, offering a distinguished model of innovation, diversity, and sustainability. This success has been achieved by developing a comprehensive portfolio that includes various sectors, such as banking, insurance, energy, logistics, industry, in addition to information technology, real estate, and tourism services. Our vision is that each company in our portfolio contributes through its strategic diversity to supporting sustainable economic growth across the region as a whole.
Begins
1960
With the start of his professional career, Mr. Abdul Karim founded “Khalaf Abdul Karim Contracting Company,” which developed tremendously to become the third-largest contracting company in Iraq.
Contracting in Iraq
1960 – 2011
With visionary leadership and a strategic approach, Khalaf Abdul Karim Contracting Company overcame difficulties and successfully completed major real estate projects. This success enabled the company to solidify its position as a key driver of economic growth, contributing to economic stimulation and sustainable development.
Bank (IDB)
2011
The Khalaf Abdul Karim family holds the largest stake in the International Development Bank, a leading institution in the Iraqi banking sector.
Services
2014
The Arab Payment Services Company was established to provide electronic payment solutions in Iraq, alongside offering secure card authorization services for companies.
Insurance
2015
Al-Sharq Insurance was founded with the goal of offering a comprehensive range of insurance services to companies and individuals across Iraq.
Steel
2016
Doma Steel Company was established to meet the needs of businesses in Iraq, becoming the primary supplier of high-quality sandwich panels.
Company
2021
First Finance Company was founded to meet the needs of businesses in Iraq by offering innovative financial solutions and providing training and mentoring programs throughout the country.
