Zain KSA gains access to Vodafone's cutting edge technology, telecom knowledge, global footprint, efficient roaming expertise and handset portfolio

Riyadh, 1 December 2012 - Mobile Telecommunication Company Saudi Arabia "Zain KSA", operator of the leading real LTE/ 4G network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reveals that it has activated several services and aspects of the strategic partner market agreement the company has recently signed with Vodafone, the world's largest mobile telecommunications operator by revenue.

This agreement is set to enhance Zain KSA's communication solutions portfolio and benefit its customers across all sectors, especially in the business sector. This comes after the two entities held several meetings and workshops that addressed the exchange of expertise across the various aspects set out in the partnership.

According to this agreement, Zain KSA's business sector joins Vodafone Global Enterprise (VGE), a leading provider of business services serving over 1,400 multinational companies around the world. While serving as a single point of contact, VGE offers its customers communication solutions, communications expenditure tracking and procurement services. This helps save over 15% of the global business sector's expenses, making Vodafone their preferred operator.

The move will enhance both Zain KSA and Vodafone's ability to meet growing demand among multinational businesses based in the Saudi market, whose accounts are managed by Vodafone in international markets.

Mr. Fraser Curley, Chief Executive Officer of Zain KSA: "From the world's most innovative operator with a presence in every technologically advanced market serving over 400 million customers. We see this partnership help us further develop the Saudi telecommunications industry and strengthen the Kingdom's leadership role, as the largest and most sophisticated telecommunications hub in the Gulf region. This is an exciting period in Zain's evolution and I strongly believe that - together with Vodafone - Zain will gain significant share in key market segments."

Mr. Curley added: "The agreement will additionally enhance the business services portfolio offered to Zain customers and facilitate the exchange of expertise between the two parties, which is set to enrich our overall expertise in the Saudi market." 

Mr. Colin MacDougall, Vodafone Regional Director for Americas, Middle East and Africa said: "Our agreement with Zain KSA provides an opportunity for Vodafone to build our presence and work with a leading operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest telecommunications market in the Arabian Gulf and one of the fastest growing in the region. We will actively support Zain KSA wherever possible."

This is Vodafone's debut into the Saudi market, in a move that is set to open new doors for Zain KSA, operator of the Kingdom's most up-to-date network. The agreement will give Zain KSA subscribers access to advanced services, voice and data roaming solutions across 51 countries within VGE's footprint. 

About Zain KSA:
Following a successful bid for the third mobile license in March 2007, Zain KSA commenced commercial operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in August 2008. Offering a wide array of advanced mobile voice and data services, and supported by a strong and appealing brand that has captured the heart and minds of the region, Zain KSA has established itself as a formidable operator covering over 90% of the Kingdom's populated area with national roaming agreements for the remaining areas. Most recently, Zain KSA began upgrading its predominantly HSPA+ network and is today offering 4G LTE hi-speed internet broadband services in major cities across the Kingdom. Zain KSA is listed on the Tadawul (stock ticker code: 7030).

For more information, please visit www.sa.zain.com

www.facebook.com/ZainWorld

www.twitter.com/#!/ZainKSA

www.youtube.com/zainworldtv

About Vodafone:
Vodafone is one of the world's largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 406 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as at 30 June 2012. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and more than 50 partner networks worldwide.

Media Enquiries:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia media requests:
Media Department, Zain KSA
corporate.communications@sa.zain.com
+966-592-444444 ext. 10979
Website: http://www.sa.zain.com

Regional and International media requests:
M: Communications
Mary Khamasmieh: khamasmieh@mcomgroup.com / +971 50 2731 753

© Press Release 2012