Zain Bahrain Reflects on Year-end Milestones
- Operator listed on Bahrain Stock Exchange, first listing since 2010
- Successful launch of USD100 million new network boasting HD Voice and 4G LTE technology
- Bahrainization close to 90% achieved by the operator
Manama – 31 December 2014: Zain Bahrain, the most innovative operator in the Kingdom, continued to exceed expectations today by announcing yet another strong year.
With the total volume of voice increasing by 25% since 2013 along with a three-fold growth in data usage during the last quarter of 2014; Zain Bahrain closed out the year with a string of achievements.
"It's been another great year for Zain Bahrain. Our promise and commitment to our customers to deliver best value, service and network is continuing to translate into sustained growth and strong performance," said Zain Bahrain's General Manager, Mohammed Zainalabedin.
"I would like to thank our customers for their ongoing loyalty to Zain Bahrain and to assure them that our focus continues to be on ensuring that we will deliver the best services and products on the newest network," he added.
"In addition, I would like to thank our fantastic employees for their continued great work, commitment and enthusiasm – they are the reason we succeed," he said.
Among the notable key milestone in 2014 year was the launch of the USD100 million new network, which ensured optimal customer experience for mobile, smart phone, home and broadband along with enterprise solutions customers. The new network also expanded the coverage area and will continue to do so. The new network also introduced additional features and services to Zain Bahrain's portfolio, such as HD Voice and 4G LTE capabilities.
Zain Bahrain also launched its Initial Public Offering ("IPO") during the third quarter of 2014. The Offering of 15% of Zain Bahrain's issued share capital gave retail and institutional investors the opportunity to participate in the first IPO in Bahrain since 2010. The operator floated 48,000,000 ordinary shares in the form of Ordinary Shares listed on the Bahrain Bourse.
The operator focused its efforts in 2014 to strengthen its customer care efforts by revamping 22 retail shops across the Kingdom manned by a strong team of Sales and Customer Care team.
The 'enhanced shops' represented an improved retail experience and provide a one-stop destination for customers including education, support, and hands-on demonstrations of products and services along with Self Service Machines and a dedicated SIGNATURE team member along with a technical support area. A key element introduced is the Customer Management System which allows customers to schedule an appointment at any Zain shop.
Empowering employees remains the heart of Zain Bahrain's strategy; the operator achieved a Bahranization of close to 90% in 2014. The Human Resources strategy this year focused on developing a series of interactive and innovative training programs with a total of 27 workshops held aimed at +++ of training hours.
Another key milestone was the driven by the Corporate Social Responsibility, as a part of its ongoing commitment to education Zain Bahrain once again distributed 20,000 school bags to school children. This year the school kits were eco-friendly further cementing the operator's commitment to the environment.
Zain Bahrain also renewed its commitment to the University of Bahrain's e-learning Center by extending its financial support to develop the Blackboard Management Learning System for the current academic year. The Center caters to the needs of over 13,000 students at the University.
The operator also launched #zaindonate; a continuous outreach program aimed at supporting the community at large. As a part of the initiative, Zain Bahrain provided provide free internet services to four families as a part of its partnership with Baitkom Baitna, a humanitarian youth-led project that aims to refurbish dilapidated homes across Bahrain. The operator also reached out to a number of NGOs and Elderly homes by donating goods or providing financial support.
Also for the seventh consecutive year, Zain Bahrain sponsored the National Basketball Championship further cementing its role in promoting sports within the community.
Additionally, 2014 was also highlighted by several awards and recognitions for Zain Bahrain. The Zain Self-Care App won the 'Best Application for Smart Devices Award' at the seventh edition of the e-Government Excellence Award 2014. Also the operator received two awards during the Ministry of Labor's Annual Awards in recognition of the operator's role in providing a competitive and rewarding work environment and training and development initiatives. The operator also received the prestigious Stevie Awards for its 'Zweetup' campaign.
