Zain Among the Top 25 Telecom Brands Worldwide

Kuwait – Sudanhorizon – Agencies

Zain Group announced a new achievement that strengthens its regional and global presence in the telecommunications and information technology sector. The company’s brand value surged to $4.039 billion, marking a 16% increase—according to the latest ranking by Brand Finance—the highest level since its inception.

Zain explained that this exceptional growth added $560 million to its brand value within a single year, reflecting the expanding impact of its digital transformation initiatives, as well as increased investments in emerging technologies and digital platforms.

The group revealed that this upgrade in the 2026 Brand Finance rankings has secured its position among the world’s top 25 telecom brands, after achieving an AAA- rating with a brand strength index score of 83.3 out of 100. It noted that this ranking highlights the trust of customers and partners, as well as the success of its investments in elevating Zain’s brand to a broader global presence.

The company stated that the rapid rise of its brand during this short period was driven by strong operational and financial performance in 2025. Zain recorded its highest revenues in the past 16 years and increased its capital expenditures by 40% over the past year to reach $1.5 billion, aimed at developing its networks and infrastructure, alongside expanding fifth-generation (5G) services. Kuwait was also among the first markets globally to launch 5G-Advanced services.

Zain emphasized that this ranking reflects a qualitative shift in the evolution of its brand, with continued growth exceeding industry averages and reinforcing its ability to compete in a rapidly transforming telecommunications and technology environment—broadening its influence as an innovation-driven company.

Notably, Zain Group continues its plans to accelerate its strategic transformation toward building one of the largest technology conglomerates in the Middle East and Africa. Through its “4WARD – Progress with Purpose” strategy, it aims to unlock its full potential via a customer-centric, future-oriented model driven by a clear purpose.

Over recent years, Zain has transitioned from a traditional telecom operator into a fully integrated, multi-domain digital operator, strengthening its leadership in mobile and fixed connectivity services while expanding into new growth areas. These include ICT solutions, digital financial services, infrastructure, digital entertainment, submarine cables, and cross-border communications. This transformation has enhanced the group’s resilience, diversified its revenue streams, and deepened its role in the digital economy.

Vice Chairman and CEO of Zain Group, Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, stated: “Zain has successfully established a brand identity that goes beyond traditional services, becoming a symbol of inspiration, purposeful connectivity, and digital advancement. In recent years, we have witnessed a qualitative shift in strategic initiatives, contributing to a stronger brand personality and a renewed identity that reshapes the boundaries of telecom services through teamwork and a continuous passion to enhance customer experience.”

Al-Kharafi added: “At Zain, we believe that the role of companies goes beyond providing services to include a broader responsibility in developing a more sustainable business environment. Based on this, the group has adopted a series of impactful initiatives in sustainability, governance, inclusion, diversity, and equity—considered fundamental pillars of its corporate framework. These initiatives have received regional and international recognition and have strengthened the relationship between the Zain brand and its customers, reinforcing trust with partners.”

He continued: “Our work at Zain is not limited to building a strong brand presence, but extends to creating a work environment where more than 8,000 employees feel like true partners in a success journey that goes beyond the boundaries of a job. The real value of any organization lies in its human capital, and Zain’s ranking among the top three employers in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the latest Forbes list, confirms that we are moving in the right direction.”

Al-Kharafi noted that Zain is now entering a phase that requires a broader vision and more ambitious steps. The company will continue investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing AI-driven solutions for businesses, and developing fintech and digital lifestyle services. “Our goal is not only to maintain leadership but also to contribute to building a future where development is driven by innovation and modern technologies serve all segments of society,” he said.

Zain’s data indicates that its digital presence continues to achieve record performance, with its campaigns generating more than 4 billion views and 1.5 billion interactions across platforms within a single year—reflecting the strength of its messaging and audience engagement. The company currently serves more than 50.9 million customers across its markets, alongside a digital community exceeding 35.5 million followers on social media, reinforcing its position as one of the most influential and widespread brands in the region.

The latest Brand Finance ranking reflects the cumulative impact of Zain’s strategic approach under its “Progress with Purpose” framework, which is driving the company’s transformation into one of the region’s largest technology conglomerates. This vision is built on four core pillars: customer delight, Zain Digital, purpose and impact, and collaborative growth—an integrated system that enhances performance, competitiveness, and future readiness, translating strategic efforts into tangible value.

This evaluation is based on a wide range of indicators reflecting Zain’s overall performance, including financial results, market value, investor relations, governance standards, and progress in sustainability. It also considers network quality, investment levels, digital innovation, new project development, customer engagement, advertising effectiveness, and digital platform performance. Additionally, talent development, inclusion and diversity initiatives, and the rapid growth of digital services all contributed to strengthening the group’s market position and brand value.

This achievement highlights the growing role of Zain’s business portfolio in expanding its brand influence across diverse customer segments and supporting its transformation into a comprehensive, purpose-driven digital operator characterized by flexibility and innovation. Looking ahead, Zain will continue to accelerate its business strategy by expanding digital infrastructure and advancing AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and fintech services—enhancing sustainable shareholder value, deepening customer trust, and driving digital progress across the region.

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