Zain

What Zain does

Zain is a publicly listed telecommunications operator headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operating as the Saudi subsidiary (Tadawul:7030) of Bahrain-based Zain Group, which serves 50.9 million customers across eight MENA markets including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, Bahrain, South Sudan, and Morocco/Palestine. The company delivers mobile voice, data, and SMS services through prepaid and postpaid plans, plus 5G Home and fiber-to-the-home broadband, supported by a network spanning 137+ cities in Saudi Arabia and 5G standalone deployment on the 600 MHz band co-developed with Huawei.

The core technology stack combines 4G/5G/5G SA networks, fiber infrastructure, and an expanding enterprise cloud and AI platform branded as ZainTECH and Zain Cloud, delivering GPU-as-a-Service, managed SOC/NOC, AI-enabled CCTV, IoT (fleet management, drones), cybersecurity (FWaaS, SASE), and international connectivity via the Zain Omantel International joint venture. Under its '4WARD' five-year strategy launched in 2025, Zain is repositioning from a mobile-centric operator to a purpose-driven technology entity, leveraging partnerships with Groq (AI inference), Cisco (GPU infrastructure), KoçDigital (industrial AI), and Ericsson (5G edge) to localize advanced digital infrastructure aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Zain's revenue model is primarily subscription-based, with mobile services generating the majority of the $7.44 billion Group revenue in 2025 (up 14% year-on-year) and new business verticals (fintech via Tamam and Yaqoot, ZainTECH enterprise, Zain Cloud, ZOI international connectivity) contributing $743 million at 67% growth. Distribution combines physical retail stores, an eShop platform, a self-serve mobile app, direct enterprise sales teams, and multinational enterprise coverage across the eight-market footprint. TowerCo partnership with Ooredoo and TASC ($2.2 billion EV, targeted June 2026 completion) is creating the largest independent tower company in MENA, monetizing passive infrastructure while freeing capital for technology reinvestment.

Name

Zain

Legal name

Zain Saudi Arabia (شركة زين السعودية)

Website

https://sa.zain.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Zain is a publicly listed telecom operator serving 50.9 million customers across eight MENA markets, providing mobile, 5G/fiber broadband, and enterprise ICT services (cloud, AI, cybersecurity, IoT) while transitioning from a mobile operator to a technology entity under its 4WARD strategy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Telecommunications

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171), Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112), Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517111)

SIC

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813)

akta.pro primary industry

Wireless ISPs (WISPs) & Fixed Wireless Access Providers (HDAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

NaaS Connectivity Services (On-Demand VPN, SD-WAN-as-a-Service, Bandwidth-on-Demand) (HDAIAIAH), Virtualized Security & SASE for Telco Networks (vFW, vDDoS, vSEC, Secure Edge) (HDAIAIAK), Business/Enterprise ISPs (Dedicated Internet Access) (HDAIADAB)

Keywords

• Mobile telecommunications
• Enterprise ICT services
• 5G network services
• Cloud infrastructure
• Digital financial services

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Mobile Telecommunications Services: Zain generates the majority of its revenue from mobile telecommunications services including prepaid and postpaid voice, data, and SMS services across eight MENA markets. Zain Group reported consolidated revenue of $7.44 billion for full-year 2025, up 14% year-on-year, with new business verticals delivering $743 million in revenue (67% growth). Zain KSA reported record revenue of SAR 10.4 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in 2024, up 5% year-over-year.
2. Home Internet (5G Home & Fiber): Zain offers 5G Home and Fiber (FTTH) home internet plans in Saudi Arabia as part of its consumer fixed-line growth strategy.
3. Enterprise ICT Services (ZainTECH): ZainTECH provides enterprise solutions including AI and big data, cybersecurity, managed services, IoT, cloud services, and connectivity (DIA, IPVPN, SIP trunk). Enterprise solutions revenue grew 74% year-on-year per Q3 2025 results.
4. Fintech Services: Zain's fintech vertical, including Tamam (micro-lending platform), contributed to revenue growth with fintech revenues growing 57% year-on-year in Q3 2025.
5. International Connectivity (Zain Omantel International): Zain Omantel International (ZOI) provides international connectivity services, with revenues doubling to $401 million in 2025. TowerCo partnership with Ooredoo and TASC progressed toward regulatory completion expected in June 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Zain is a telecommunications operator providing mobile voice and data services (prepaid and postpaid), 5G and fiber-to-the-home broadband for consumers, and enterprise ICT solutions through ZainTECH and Zain Business covering connectivity, IoT, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and managed services. It also offers digital financial services through Yaqoot and Tamam brands and operates across eight Middle East and Africa markets.

Product overview

Zain is a telecommunications operator offering a comprehensive portfolio across consumer and enterprise segments. For consumers, it provides mobile voice and data services through postpaid and prepaid plans (including Shabab Digital, Zain Flex, and premium Black plans), home broadband via 5G Home and Fiber Home, international roaming, and device sales. The consumer portfolio also includes eSIM, cloud gaming (GeForce NOW), and financial services through Yaqoot and Tamam brands. For enterprise customers, Zain Business delivers integrated solutions across connectivity (mobile, DIA, IPVPN, SIP trunking, Air Fiber), IoT (fleet management, fuel automation, drone solutions, CCTV), cloud services (Zain Cloud with BAAS, MAAS, ERP), AI capabilities (GPU-as-a-Service, AI-enabled CCTV), and cybersecurity (FWaaS, SASE, SOC/NOC). The company operates as a unified platform-plus-modules architecture, with core telecom services supported by增值 add-on services and specialized sub-brands for vertical markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Yaqoot (يا قوت): Digital financial services and payment solutions brand operated by Zain KSA
• Zain Cloud
• Zain Business
• Zain Drone
• Tamam
• ZainTECH
• Zain Flex
• Zain LINE
• Shabab
• Black
• GeForce NOW

Products and services

• Postpaid Mobile Plans Monthly billed mobile voice and data plans for individual consumers in Saudi Arabia, with tiered offerings including local minutes, data allowances, privileged numbers, and roaming benefits (Bronze SAR 250, Silver SAR 420, Gold SAR 650, Black SAR 1,000). Prices include 15% VAT.
• Prepaid Mobile Plans Pay-as-you-go mobile voice and data plans targeted at individual consumers including youth segments (Shabab Digital, Zain Flex) and visitors to Saudi Arabia, with various validity periods and international calling options.
• 5G Home Internet

Quantifiable outcome

• Zain Group revenue grew 14% to $7.44 billion in 2025; net income doubled to $777 million
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

AI capability16 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Saudi Association for Hearing ImpairmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026Zain KSA signed an MoU with the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment to support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The partnership aims to advance digital inclusion, elevate quality of life, and enhance societal participation for this community. Key collaboration areas include observing international days, launching awareness campaigns, and driving educational initiatives.
• ClasseracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 May 2026Zain KSA and Classera (Jeddah-headquartered edtech company) signed a strategic partnership to integrate AI into Saudi Arabia's digital education ecosystem. The initiative combines Classera's educational technology systems with Zain KSA's digital infrastructure and telecom networks to deliver AI-powered learning services to millions of students and families. The companies positioned this as one of the largest AI education projects globally, with plans to expand into additional regional and international markets.
• ALDAWLIAHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 15 February 2026ALDAWLIAH signed a Human Resources and Support Services Provision Agreement with Zain KSA, providing HR and support services.
• Ericsson (Bahrain)coreTechnology or Integration · 24 December 2025Bahraini operator Zain and Swedish vendor Ericsson launched an advanced 5G edge offering, a collaboration to develop and deploy 5G edge technology across Zain's MENA network footprint.
• PayTabs Kuwait and BEDE KuwaitminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025PayTabs Kuwait and BEDE Kuwait announced a partnership at NEXUS 2025 to develop a digital commerce ecosystem for SMEs in Kuwait, integrating PayTabs' payment technology with BEDE's fintech services. The project aligns with Zain Group's strategy to promote financial inclusion and support businesses in Kuwait and beyond.
• KoçDigitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2025Zain KSA and KoçDigital (a Turkish technology company) announced a strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation in Saudi Arabia's industrial sector, deploying Industry 4.0 solutions to modernize manufacturing operations and improve competitiveness. KoçDigital showcased AI solutions at ITSA 2025 and participated as a strategic partner of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC), supporting Vision 2030 initiatives.
• Experts Vision ConsultingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 December 2025KoçDigital announced regional partnerships including with Zain KSA and Experts Vision Consulting to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and expand AI-driven industrial digitalization across the MENA region.
• GroqcoreTechnology or Integration · 10 December 2025Zain KSA and Groq partnered to introduce the Groq Local AI Inference Platform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the deployment of AI applications across cloud environments. The initiative aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and localize advanced digital infrastructure in line with Vision 2030.
• Ooredoo (TASC Towers Holding)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Zain Group and Ooredoo are consolidating tower infrastructure assets through TASC Towers Holding, set to become the largest independent tower company in MENA with an enterprise value of USD 2.2 billion. The TowerCo partnership progressed toward regulatory completion expected in June 2026. Kamil Hilali was appointed as CEO of TASC Towers Holding to support growth and integration.
• HuaweicoreTechnology or Integration · 17 October 2025Zain KSA and Huawei completed commercial deployment of 5G standalone (SA) on the 600 MHz band in Saudi Arabia, expanding 5G coverage and enabling advanced AI services with improved latency and uplink speeds. The deployment supports full rollout in Riyadh and Jeddah by Q4 2025. Huawei also co-developed the Riyadh Antenna Platform (cylindrical antenna reducing effective projected area by 30-60%).
• CiscocoreTechnology or Integration · 16 July 2025Zain KSA and Cisco signed an MoU to advance AI infrastructure and GPU-as-a-Service capabilities in Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030. The partnership leverages Cisco's advanced infrastructure solutions to deliver high-performance GPU-powered services, supporting Zain KSA's strategy to position the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub. The agreement also includes training programs to upskill local talent in national AI capabilities.
• HuaweicoreTechnology or Integration · 7 July 2025Zain KSA and Huawei launched the Riyadh Antenna Platform, a cylindrical antenna innovation that reduces effective projected area by 30% to 60% compared to traditional panel antennas. The platform features remote azimuth steering and integrated monitoring capabilities, enabling faster deployment and reduced operational costs. This followed Zain KSA's acquisition of 30 MHz in the 600 MHz frequency band at a spectrum auction.
• Cracker Technology CorporationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2025Zain KSA partnered with Cracker Technology Corporation to execute a comprehensive digital transformation program for its business and operational support systems (OSS/BSS), supporting Zain KSA's operational agility and digital modernization.
• EricssoncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017Zain Saudi Arabia and Ericsson signed an MoU to develop hyperscale data centers and cloud solutions to enhance enterprise IT services during MWC 2017 in Barcelona. The project aimed to use advanced automation, private and public cloud integration, and Intel's modular architecture to create a flexible, software-defined infrastructure.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Saudi Telecom Company (stc): Saudi Arabia's largest telecom operator with ~44% mobile market share, directly competing with Zain KSA in consumer mobile, broadband, enterprise ICT, cloud, and 5G. Both target the same Vision 2030 enterprise wallet with overlapping product portfolios.
• Mobily (Etihad Etisalat): Second-largest Saudi telecom with ~28% mobile market share, competing head-to-head with Zain KSA in mobile, fixed broadband, enterprise services, and digital verticals. Both companies participate in the same 5G spectrum auctions and enterprise ICT RFPs.
• Ooredoo: Qatari-headquartered telecom operator with operations across MENA. Direct regional competitor in consumer and enterprise segments, and TowerCo JV partner with Zain (TASC Towers Holding). Operates in overlapping markets including Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine, and Tunisia.
• e& (Emirates Telecommunications Group / Etisalat): UAE-based telecom giant with operations across MENA, Africa, and Asia. Direct regional peer in 5G, enterprise ICT, cloud, and digital services. Competes with Zain in wholesale international connectivity and multinational enterprise RFPs.

Regional players

• du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications): UAE's second telecom operator providing mobile, fixed, and enterprise services. Comparable in product mix and enterprise go-to-market, though focused on UAE market while Zain operates across 8 MENA markets.
• Batelco (Beyon): Bahrain-based telecom operator providing mobile, broadband, and enterprise services across Bahrain, Jordan, and other MENA markets. Comparable in regional MENA footprint, enterprise ICT offering, and 5G strategy. Zain Group is itself listed on Bahrain Bourse.
• MTN Group: Africa's largest mobile operator with 290M+ subscribers across 19 markets. Comparable MEA telecom operator with similar mobile, fintech (MoMo), and enterprise strategies. Both compete for enterprise and wholesale connectivity in MEA region.
• Turkcell: Turkey's leading mobile operator with operations in Ukraine, Belarus, and Northern Cyprus. Comparable in 4G/5G network leadership, enterprise digital services, and digital services strategy. Regional MEA peer for enterprise and roaming partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Vodafone: Global telecom incumbent with extensive MEA presence through Vodacom, Safaricom, and Egypt operations. Comparable in 5G, enterprise IoT, cloud, and managed services. Operates at much larger scale but follows similar operator-to-techco transformation playbook.
• Orange: Global telecom incumbent with significant MEA operations (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, etc.). Comparable in MENA enterprise services, mobile financial services (Orange Money), and operator-to-techco transformation strategy. Direct overlap in Jordan and other Zain markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ZainHelpSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/zainworldtv
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZainKSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zain-ksa
• Instagraminstagram.com/zainksa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zain