Zain Infra
Building the Digital Backbone of a Connected MENA
1. ZOI
Strategic Partnerships & Infrastructure
Zain Omantel International’s (ZOI) key achievements and strategic collaborations that shaped 2025 showcase how the company is driving innovation, resilience, and growth across the digital infrastructure ecosystem.
From enabling a Guinness World Record-breaking remote surgery, to launching new digital corridors connecting the Middle East to Europe, to expanding capabilities across Asia, ZOI has firmly established itself as an international carrier that supports unified, AI-ready digital infrastructure in MENA and across the world.
As ZOI continues to build the region’s most advanced wholesale platform, customers benefit from unmatched reliability and innovation through one partner, one network, and one commercial framework.
Highlights of 2025:
Partnered with Horizon Scope Technologies
and Iraq’s ITPC:
ZOI partnered with Zain Iraq’s subsidiary Horizon Scope Technologies and Iraq’s Information and Telecommunications Public Company (ITPC) to establish a new terrestrial corridor connecting the Middle East to Europe via Iraq, Turkey, and Germany. This strategic route offers a faster, more secure, and resilient alternative to traditional subsea routes, designed to deliver higher capacity and lower latency for hyperscalers, telecom operators, and global enterprises expanding across continents.
Strategic collaborations with Sparkle, Telecom Egypt and PCCW Global:
ZOI entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sparkle, Telecom Egypt, and PCCW Global to develop the Asia–Africa–Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system. This next-generation project will eventually encompass 16,500 km and be fully operational by 2030, creating a robust digital link connecting Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy, traversing secure, high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt.
Supported ZainTECH and Zain Kuwait
in partnering with Microsoft:
ZOI empowered the international connectivity supporting ZainTECH and Zain Kuwait in partnership with Microsoft to launch Azure ExpressRoute via the Azure Marketplace in Kuwait and globally. This collaboration delivers secure, private, high-performance cloud connectivity for government and enterprises, marking a major step toward Kuwait Vision 2035. By enabling organizations to directly procure dedicated Azure connectivity using existing Microsoft credits, the initiative simplifies access to world-class cloud infrastructure. As the international wholesale partner, ZOI provided its AI-ready network to connect the Microsoft Azure Marketplace in Kuwait to Microsoft’s global data centers.
Cooperated with Ciena to launch a new Managed Optical Fiber Network (MOFN) service*
In collaboration with Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, ZOI launched a Managed Optical Fiber Network (MOFN) service enabling Zain regional operators and Omantel in providing solutions to support AI and cloud-driven economies. MOFN delivers dedicated, high-performance optical connectivity tailored for hyperscalers, cloud providers, and large enterprises with complex digital infrastructure needs. Through this solution, the operators in each country design, build, and manage the local fiber network, offering secure, scalable, and elastic connectivity that mirrors cloud-native agility. ZOI extends these capabilities by enabling access to international capacity and multi-country reach through a unified, fully managed service model.
Industry Leadership
Enabled Zain Kuwait’s Guinness World Record-breaking remote robotic surgery over 12,000 km:
In cooperation with Zain Kuwait and a wider ecosystem of healthcare and innovation partners, ZOI delivered the ultra-low latency international transport required to enable a live, two-way remote robotic surgery between Kuwait and Brazil, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance (12,000 km) between a surgeon and a patient. Purpose-built routing, with diverse paths on standby, ensured predictable performance and resilience across the connection, achieving 199 ms end-to-end latency, an average bandwidth of 80 Mbps, and packet loss of just 0.19%. This milestone demonstrated how ZOI’s international backbone can power mission-critical, low-latency applications, reinforcing the company’s industry leadership and advancing real-world digital transformation beyond telecom, including new frontiers in healthcare.
ZOI ranked #1 Autonomous System Number (ASN) in the Middle East:
Ranked as the #1 ASN in the Middle East and the only regional network to secure a spot among the top 100 globally out of 70,000 active networks, ZOI has established the most interconnected IP network in the region. This milestone delivers faster, more direct global connectivity, reduced latency, and seamless routing without third-party dependence. With a secure, scalable infrastructure, ZOI enables hyperscalers, ISPs, and enterprises to achieve superior performance, greater efficiency, and smarter connectivity.
Celebrated the second cohort of ZOI Ambassadors in Kuwait:
15 team members from across ZOI’s footprint came together for an intensive program designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to represent ZOI with purpose. More than just training, this initiative empowers ZOI’s workforce to become the company’s voice, ready to lead conversations and showcase its brand on global stages.
ZOI delivers a Peering Knowledge Sharing Masterclass at GCCM ME 2025:
Achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first wholesale service provider to deliver a Peering Knowledge Sharing Masterclass at GCCM ME 2025 Since the launch of GCCM Masterclasses in 2022, these sessions have traditionally been led by hyperscalers and technology vendors. This year, ZOI broke new ground by leading the way as the first wholesale provider to host a Masterclass, reinforcing its position as an industry innovator.
Awards & Recognition
In 2025, ZOI earned international recognition for innovation and connectivity leadership, including:
GCCM Europe 2025, Berlin:
ZOI secured three prestigious awards at GCCM Europe 2025, Berlin:
- Best Data Connectivity Innovative Provider of the year – for advancing pan-regional connectivity with integrated subsea-terrestrial networks and high-capacity solutions for hyperscalers and carriers.
- Best Subsea Cable Operator of the Year – for leadership in subsea investments, including strategic participation in G2A, AAE-1, and Oman Australia Cable.
- Middle East Regional Connectivity Operator of the Year – for delivering the only fully operator-owned pan-Middle East fiber network, with a continuous footprint linking the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea across key markets.
Global Brand Awards 2025:
ZOI was awarded the “Best New Telecom Connectivity Brand – Middle East” accolade at the Global Brand Awards, a UK-based publication with over 8 million annual views, celebrating excellence in branding, leadership, and innovation across industries worldwide.
The Fast Mode Awards 2025:
Named Network Transformation Icon at The Fast Mode Awards 2025, having been recognized for innovation in network transformation, highlighting the continued developments ZOI has contributed to the global telecoms landscape.
Corporate Sustainability
WE ABLE Awareness Session:
ZOI employees from across all branches came together for WE ABLE, an engaging awareness session marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The session covered disability etiquette, inclusive terminology, unconscious bias, and practical steps to foster a culture of respect and equal access for all.
Empowering Youth Through Education: ZOI Awards Scholarship for Global Leadership Conference
As part of ZOI’s social commitment to youth empowerment and education, ZOI awarded a scholarship to support a student’s participation in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations 16th Conference, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between January 17–20, 2025. This global event provided young leaders with a platform to broaden their networks, enhance leadership and negotiation skills, and gain firsthand experience of international diplomacy. By enabling this opportunity, ZOI reinforces its dedication to fostering future leaders and promoting inclusive growth through education.
Global Engagement: Key Industry Events and Milestones in 2025
Throughout 2025, ZOI actively shared insights at major global and regional industry events, engaging in discussions on international connectivity, wholesale voice and data, and edge computing. ZOI’s presence at these forums reinforced the company’s role in shaping the future of connectivity across the globe. Milestones included:
Co-hosted GCCM ME 2025 with Omantel, Muscat:
GCCM Middle East 2025 brought together over 1,000 attendees and more than 200 decision-makers for expert-led discussions on the future of network infrastructure. The event explored critical topics including subsea cables, terrestrial fiber, satellite and space connectivity, wholesale voice and data services, and emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, edge computing, and cloud solutions.
Panels featuring industry leaders focused on regional collaboration, cross-border infrastructure, and innovative business models that position the Middle East as a vital global connectivity hub. This milestone event provided an unparalleled opportunity for ZOI teams to engage with global telecom experts and shape the future of connectivity.
Capacity ME,Dubai:
Participation at Capacity Middle East 2025 in Dubai, saw the ZOI team actively reconnecting with partners, forging new alliances, and securing strategic collaborations that will shape the future of global telecom. Through meaningful conversations and knowledge exchange, ZOI reinforced its commitment to driving connectivity and innovation across the industry.
GSMA WAS #21, Dubai:
Actively engaged with industry leaders to explore new roaming opportunities, share insights on emerging trends, and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Capacity Europe, London:
Showcased its AI-ready hybrid subsea and terrestrial mesh network that spans the Middle East and connects globally. The team highlighted how ZOI delivers diversity, scalability, and simplicity for hyperscale networking; reinforcing the company’s role as a trusted partner in advancing global connectivity.
Europe 2025 GCCM, Berlin:
Meetings with global telecom leaders to discuss emerging trends, explore new business opportunities, and strengthen strategic partnerships, reinforcing ZOI’s commitment to driving collaboration and advancing connectivity across international markets.
ITW 2025, Washington DC:
Engaged in shaping conversations around the future of global connectivity. A key highlight was ZOI taking the keynote stage for an in-depth panel discussion on the emerging subsea ecosystem; underscoring the company’s leadership and expertise in advancing next-generation infrastructure.
ITW Africa 2025, Nairobi:
The team in Nairobi helped African carriers and MNOs to open new markets across the globe.
European Peering Forum, Romania:
Networked with key players from hyperscalers to global operators in Romania to strengthen collaboration across the peering ecosystem and establish new relationships.
WWC, Madrid:
Discussed voice, messaging, and roaming with the world’s leading MNOs and communications service providers.
Submarine Networks World, Singapore:
The team gained key insights into the future of AI-driven cable maintenance and new infrastructure developments.
ITEX, Iraq:
Highlighting the company’s northern route to Europe via Iraq while discussing Iraq’s national telecom and digital strategy.
Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) 2025, Honolulu, Hawaii:
Engaged in key discussions with global telecom leaders showcasing ZOI’s expertise and exploring innovative solutions to strengthen connectivity and drive industry growth.
Looking ahead to 2026, ZOI will:
- Execute and activate key subsea projects: Blue-Raman and Africa-1
- Expand new digital corridors to further expand route diversity
- Launch its carrier-neutral regional data centre strategy across the Zain and Omantel footprint
- Further expand its centralized mobility and VAS platforms, such as roaming, voice, and IPX/GRX signaling hub.
- Strengthen corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and its leadership depth.
2. TASC Towers
History in the making
In a regional first, in February 2020, Zain Group’s flagship operation in Kuwait completed the sale and leaseback of the passive physical infrastructure of its 1,620 mobile tower portfolio for USD 130 million (KD 40 million) to IHS Holding Limited (IHS). The transaction which was penciled a few years earlier and of which Zain retained 30% of the Kuwait entity, was the first sale and leaseback of telecom towers in the Middle East and North Africa region by a licensed mobile operator.
By freeing a telcos’ resources, tower sale and lease back deals enable Zain operations to laser focus on the telco’s core business and customers, therefore providing them an exceptional mobile and data experience.
Strategic partnership with TASC Towers
To exploit the full potential of Zain’s infrastructure investments across its footprint, in mid-2020 as part of its then 4SIGHT strategy, the Group entered into a strategic partnership to establish TASC Towers Holding as an independent digital infrastructure entity that builds, owns and operates shared telecommunications infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.
The partnership aimed to create significant value for shareholders through the unlocking of capital and optimization of infrastructure assets that will flourish under the management of an independent team with expansion aspirations in making it a leading regional operator of telecom infrastructure.
TASC’s first landmark in Jordan
The partnership’s first milestone came in 2021, when TASC Towers announced the acquisition and leaseback of Zain Jordan’s 2,607 tower portfolio under a definitive 15 year agreement valued at USD 88 million. The transaction included managed sites, supporting facilities, and a build-to-suit commitment of over 525 new sites.
Jordan became the proving ground for TASC’s operating model demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver infrastructure-grade uptime, expand coverage into underserved areas, and initiate multi-operator colocation.
TASC expanded coverage across urban centers and rural areas alike, improving network quality and bridging connectivity gaps throughout the Kingdom. Today, the Jordanian platform comprises over 3,200 towers.
It’s important to note that under such arrangements, the operator, Zain Jordan and other operators retain their active infrastructure, including wireless communication antennas, intelligent software, and intellectual property with respect to managing its telecom network.
Expansion into Iraq
In January 2023, TASC replicated this model in Iraq, acquiring Zain Iraq’s 4,968 tower portfolio for USD 180 million under a similar 15 year structure. The Iraqi platform has since grown to over 6,000 towers, with infrastructure rebuilt and upgraded to serve a rapidly expanding subscriber base across urban and underserved regions alike.
Agreement to make TASC the largest Tower company in the MENA Region
In December 2023, saw the signing of definitive agreements between Zain Group, Ooredoo Group and TASC Towers to create the largest tower company in the MENA region, comprising approximately 30,000 towers, with a combined estimated current enterprise value of USD 2.2 billion.
The deal once materialized will see Ooredoo and Zain equally retain a substantial stake of 49.3% each in the newly restructured entity, through an asset and cash equalisation process.
The tower entity is expected to achieve run-rate revenues close to USD 500 million annually, with an EBITDAaL (after leases) of more than USD 200 million annually upon the completion of closings in all individual countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, and Tunisia. This financial position underpins the promising prospects and profitability of the newly restructured tower company.
The signing of this landmark transaction constitutes a major milestone placing the MENA region on the world telecom tower map and towards realising key aspects of Zain’s strategy, focused on evolving into a smart telco and creating value-focused portfolio that drive growth and value for shareholders.
Independent nature of TASC with a focus on Sustainability
The trajectory ahead is defined by scale. As an independent tower company, leveraging the combined assets of Ooredoo and Zain, TASC will offer Passive Infrastructure as a Service (PIaaS) in a partnership model. This creates unprecedented opportunities for all mobile network operators, offering a capital-efficient alternative to building, owning and managing their own passive infrastructure in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
This partnership model is well-equipped to meet the needs of other mobile network operators seeking to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and address the increasing demand for sites driven by double digit growth in mobile data consumption across the region.
Both Zain and Ooredoo will retain their respective active infrastructure, including wireless communication antennas, intelligent software, and intellectual property with respect to managing their telecom networks.
This planned consolidation preserves TASC’s independent, neutral-host model while creating a platform of regional significance, positioned to drive colocation growth, standardize operations, and deliver compounding efficiency gains across the portfolio.
Solutions spanning colocation, build-to-suit, sale-and-leaseback, urban densification, and power management delivered through an AI-powered platforms. Sustainability is key hence the push for hybrid power modernization, solar integration, remote monitoring, and cooling optimization.
Buy back of Kuwait Tower network
In December 2024, Zain entered a definitive agreement to acquire IHS Holding Limited’s 70% interest in IHS Kuwait Limited, an independent licensed Tower Company that owns 1,675 sites and manages an additional approximate 700 sites in Kuwait. Under the terms of the transaction, Zain agreed to increase its 30% ownership of IHS Kuwait Limited to 100%, at an equity value for the remaining 70% stake of USD 134 million. The Kuwait Tower entity will continue to provide independent tower infrastructure services within the Kuwait market.
New leadership to take TASC Towers to new heights
In Oct 2025, TASC Towers Holding Board of Directors appointed Kamil Hilali as Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of TASC’s journey. Kamil has been the Chief Strategy Officer of Zain Group since March 2018, with over 20 years of track record in strategy and corporate development to the new role at TASC, encompassing excellent leadership capabilities, solid technical skills, and business acumen.
As CEO, Kamil has a clear mandate for TASC Towers as the entity enters its next phase: complete the integration of expansion markets between Zain and Ooredoo with the same operational rigor proven in Jordan and Iraq, drive tenancy ratio improvements across the consolidated portfolio, and continue investing in energy efficiency and AI-powered operations that generate long-term value for operators, shareholders, and the communities the platform serves.