Forbes ranks Zain the world’s best telecoms employer in 2026
Iraq, Baghdad – October 2026:
Zain Group announced that it ranked first globally in the telecommunications sector on Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026 list. The Group climbed 74 places compared with the previous year, entering the world’s top 100 employers and ranking second across all industries in the Middle East and Africa.
Zain stated that this achievement reflects its strategic approach to building a workplace that encourages innovation, empowerment and excellence, supported by initiatives to attract and develop talent, promote equal opportunities, and provide pathways for learning and professional growth.
This progress underscores Zain’s long-term commitment to investing in its people as its most valuable resource for strengthening competitiveness and preparing for the future. Zain’s ‘4WARD–Progress with Purpose’ strategy places innovation, digital transformation and human capital development at the heart of its priorities, supporting business growth and its ambition to become one of the region’s largest technology companies.
Zain builds on the capabilities and expertise across its regional operations, continuing to develop its employees while growing its digital businesses and expanding its technology services portfolio. This approach supports a more agile business model capable of innovating, adapting to change, and pursuing new growth opportunities.
The Forbes ranking was based on an extensive global study involving more than 300,000 employees in over 50 countries working for multinational companies with more than 1,000 employees. Respondents assessed employers against a range of employee experience indicators, including benefits, talent development, work environment, training and professional development opportunities, and their willingness to recommend their employers to others. The results also drew on data accumulated over the past three years, with greater weight given to more recent evaluations and current employees' views.
The ranking is particularly significant because it is based primarily on employees’ own assessments, providing an independent indicator of the strength of corporate culture, trust, employee engagement, and satisfaction. These factors are central to organizations’ ability to attract and retain talent and strengthen their competitiveness, particularly amid the rapid evolution of the digital economy and growing competition for specialized skills and expertise.
Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, said: “This distinguished recognition reflects the Board and Executive Management’s commitment to responsible business practices, talent development and an inclusive workplace culture. As a purpose-driven technology leader, we remain focused on delivering meaningful connectivity that enhances experiences and creates ‘Better Lives. Lasting Connections for our customers, employees, and shareholders.”
Zain continues to invest in developing future-ready capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, while fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment that supports career development, attracts and retains talent, and strengthens the Group’s readiness to adapt to the rapid transformations shaping the telecommunications and technology sectors.