Zain and Omantel have joined forces to launch ‘Zain Omantel International’ (ZOI), a groundbreaking joint venture that aims to become the leading international wholesale services provider in the Middle East.
This partnership represents a significant advancement in the telecoms industry, leveraging Zain’s strong presence in the retail and digital sectors and Omantel’s exceptional wholesale capabilities and extensive international networks. ZOI will cater to the telecommunications needs of operators in the Middle East and international carriers, data centres, hyperscalers, content providers, and cloud providers within and beyond the region.
By managing the international wholesale requirements of Zain and Omantel in eight countries and serving over 55 million customers, ZOI is poised to become a global powerhouse. The joint venture will optimize the existing wholesale businesses of both companies, enhancing competitiveness and reducing operating costs. Additionally, ZOI will provide access to low-latency and high-capacity services across its expanded footprint, delivering unparalleled service and support to customers worldwide.
Sohail Qadir has been appointed as the CEO of ZOI. With a proven track record of success, Qadir has played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of Omantel’s international wholesale business.
Sohail Qadir, CEO, ZOI, said, “The region has matured in terms of the scope and consumption of reliable wholesale services, and this strategic partnership in this integral part of the telecoms business is well-timed to capitalize on global trends. I look forward to leading ZOI in delivering differentiated services to regional and international customers alike, and providing increased value and enhanced customer-experience to all associated stakeholders across our extensive operational footprint.”
ZOI, in collaboration with Omantel and Zain Group operating companies, will ensure the continuation of supreme quality international services for Zain and Omantel customers. These services encompass internet connectivity, voice, roaming, messaging, and more. As part of its consortium partnerships, ZOI will undertake notable projects that include the development of Blue-Raman, Africa-1, Jeddah to Marseille (J2M) subsea systems, as well as an extensive terrestrial network connecting regional countries to landing stations and data centers. These high-profile projects will establish an unparalleled ecosystem in the region.
