en.Wedoany.com Reported - Zain Group has secured a 25-year mobile communications operating license in Syria, with a term of 20 years plus a possible 5-year extension, becoming the country's second operator and entering one of the most promising markets in the Levant region.
Syria's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology previously conducted a rigorous technical and financial tender for the existing MTN network, with Zain winning the bid at $747 million through a fully compliant offer. Zain will establish a new operating entity in Syria, with the Group holding 75% and Syrian government entities holding 25%. Zain Syria's brand is planned to commence commercial operations in the first quarter of 2027, pending the fulfillment of all regulatory and licensing conditions.
During the six-month transition period, the Zain team will collaborate with Syria's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the MTN team to ensure continuous service for approximately 6.3 million existing customers. As part of the winning bid conditions, Zain Syria will invest over $800 million in network expansion and modernization over the next decade, funded by financial resources generated from local operations. The investment will cover 5G network deployment and AI-driven digital technology upgrades. Zain Group's technical, investment, and operational expertise will ensure efficient capital deployment, accelerated network development, and enhanced service quality and performance.
Zain Vice Chairman and CEO Bader Al-Kharafi expressed sincere gratitude to the Syrian government and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal and his team for the transparent and professional tender process. He emphasized the company's full commitment to building a modern, reliable network to support Syria's digital transformation. He noted that under the guidance and visionary direction of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Zain's entry into the Syrian market is not only a strategic business expansion but also a reflection of its firm confidence in Syria's future and development potential. Al-Kharafi revealed that he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara, expressing Zain's commitment to becoming a true partner in Syria's digital transformation and economic growth by investing in local talent, advancing digital infrastructure, and leveraging advanced AI-driven digital solutions to support small and medium enterprises and government entities.
Al-Kharafi also stated that Zain is confident in Syria's economic recovery and long-term prospects, with the committed capital expenditure investment over the next decade reflecting this confidence. This expansion strengthens Zain's presence in the Levant region, solidifies Kuwait-Syria relations, and enables cross-border digital services through Zain's regional coverage and technological capabilities. He mentioned that established entities such as ZainTECH, Zain Omantel International, fintech platforms, and other digital businesses will extend their services to Syria, while funding support and innovation-driven initiatives will be implemented to nurture Syria's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In terms of network deployment, Zain Syria will drive comprehensive network modernization within six months, including large-scale 5G deployment, infrastructure upgrades, and AI-driven solutions. The initial phase aims to achieve over 98% population coverage and provide uninterrupted service to approximately 6.3 million customers. Upon service launch, a portfolio of voice, data, digital, and content entertainment services will be offered to households, youth, businesses, and the public sector. Customers will benefit from synergies with Zain Group's shared products, regional platforms, and digital propositions, as well as new services developed specifically for the Syrian market.
Zain currently operates in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, serving 51.2 million customers. Entering the Syrian market makes it the Group's fifth operating entity to offer 5G services, joining Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, further solidifying its leading 5G position in the region.
