Key Milestones
2025
Launch of 5G Advanced in Kuwait
Launch of Bede – Fintech services in Kuwait, Sudan and Bahrain
Launch of Zain Insure, first fully start-to-end digital motor insurance application
Launch of Global M2M services across the region
2024
Unveiled ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ strategy to accelerate company’s evolution into a TechCo
Acquired the remaining 70% stake of IHS (Kuwait TowerCo) in Kuwait
2023
Zain celebrates its 40th Anniversary
Landmark deal with Ooredoo and TASC to create the largest Tower Company in the region with 30,000 towers
Zain Iraq finalizes the sale and leaseback of 4,968 towers to TASC Towers Iraq for $180 million
Establishment of Zain Omantel International (ZOI) revolutionizing the international wholesale carrier sector
Launch of commercial 5G services in Jordan
Zain maintained its A- score in ‘CDP Score Report – Climate Change 2023’
2022
Zain KSA approved sale of its 8,069 tower infrastructure for SAR 3 billion to PIF
Zain maintained its A- score in ‘CDP Score Report – Climate Change 2022’
Zain Jordan granted 5G license for 25-year and extended 2G, 3G & 4G spectrum licenses extension for 10-year
2021
Zain Jordan completes the sale and leaseback of it towers for $88 million
Launch of 4G services in Zain Iraq & Zain South Sudan
Establishment of ZainTECH, the Group’s integrated digital solutions ICT provider
Zain KSA’s “Tamam” receives first consumer microfinancing license in region
Zain attained A- score in ‘CDP Score Report – Climate Change 2021’, ranking it first in region and among leaders globally
2020
Launch of commercial 5G services in Bahrain
Regional first, Zain Kuwait successfully completes the sale and leaseback of its 1,620 towers for $130 million
Zain Iraq 2G+3G license extension and grant of technology-neutral 4G license for 8 years
Zain KSA successfully completes SAR 4.5 billion capital restructuring and right issue
Zain handed back the management of Touch Lebanon to Lebanon’s telecom ministry
2019
Introduced ‘4SIGHT’ corporate strategy
Regional first, launch of commercial 5G services in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
2018
Zain Saudi Arabia becomes a subsidiary of Zain Group due to step-up acquisition in Q3-2018
2017
Zain sells 425.7m treasury shares representing 9.84% of its capital to Omantel for $846.1m
Omantel acquired additional 12.1% of Zain shares to take holding to 21.9%
2016
Zain Sudan launched 4G LTE high speed technology
Zain KSA mobile operating license extended for additional 15 years
Zain KSA granted Unification telecommunication license
2015
Listed Zain Iraq on Iraq Stock Exchange
2014
Listed Zain Bahrain on Bahrain Bourse
2013
Zain celebrates its 30th Anniversary
2012
Zain KSA raised $1.6 billion in rights issue and Group increased stake in the operation to 37%
Increased stake in Zain Iraq to 76%
2011
Separated operations between Sudan and South Sudan
2010
Divested mobile operations in 15 African countries (excluding Sudan) to Bharti Airtel for $10.7 billion
2009
Invested in 15.5% of Moroccan operator Inwi through a JV investment
2008
Merged MTC Atheer and Iraqna, and rebranded to Zain
Rebranded from Celtel to Zain in all African operations
Commenced operations in KSA
Commenced operations in Ghana
2007
Won bid for 3rd GSM license in KSA for $6.1 billion
Rebranded to Zain in four Middle East markets
Acquired a 15-year nationwide license in Iraq
Acquired 75% of Westel Ghana (rebranded to Celtel)
Acquired Iraqna in Iraq
2006
Acquired the remaining 61% of Mobitel in Sudan
Acquired 65% of V-mobile in Nigeria (rebranded to Celtel)
2005
Acquired Celtel in 13 African nations for $3.4 billion
Acquired Madacom in Madagascar (rebranded to Celtel)
2004
Awarded management agreement in Lebanon
2003
Acquired Fastlink in Jordan
Awarded 2nd GSM license in Bahrain
Awarded GSM license in Iraq
1983
Established Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) in Kuwait