Zain Group, a leading provider of digital lifestyle and ICT solutions across the Middle East and Africa, has been ranked the number one telecommunications company in the MENA region on Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2025 list. Zain also secured the top position in Kuwait and was recognized among the top three employers in the Middle East, highlighting its exceptional workplace culture and human capital development strategy.
The annual Forbes ranking evaluates 900 global organizations across 50 countries, based on detailed feedback from over 300,000 employees worldwide. Companies are assessed on employee satisfaction, career advancement, inclusion, and reputation, with particular emphasis on feedback from existing employees.
Zain’s recognition coincides with its upgrade to an ‘A’ ESG rating from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) in September 2025 — reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance excellence.
At the heart of Zain’s success lies its “4WARD – Progress with Purpose” five-year corporate strategy, emphasizing purpose-driven growth, inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. Through initiatives such as UNITY (a culture transformation program), WE SUCCEED (leadership and succession model), and the region’s first IDE Score index for workplace inclusion, Zain continues to set benchmarks for corporate culture and responsible business practices.
Zain’s Chief Purpose Human Resources Officer (CPHRO) role embeds human-centric innovation within its organizational framework, ensuring that purpose aligns seamlessly with employee engagement. Programs such as BE WELL for mental health, WE and NOVA for women’s empowerment, and WE ABLE for accessibility underscore Zain’s holistic approach to well-being and inclusion.
Furthermore, the company’s ZAINIAC innovation platform, Generation Z graduate initiative, and partnership with Spain’s IE University through the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity University (IDEU) demonstrate Zain’s investment in future-ready talent and continuous learning.
“Zain is taking responsible business action by building a thriving, diverse, and inclusive workplace,” the company said in a statement. “This recognition by Forbes reaffirms our purpose-driven leadership in digital transformation, talent development, and sustainability.”
By combining purpose, innovation, and inclusion, Zain continues to shape a workplace culture that supports its vision of a sustainable, prosperous, and digitally connected future for all.
