International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Zain launches three inclusion initiatives to accelerate WE ABLE 2030 vision
- Hasad news – Bader Al-Kharafi: “Redesigning how we hire, develop, procure, and advocate, so that accessibility and disability inclusion are built into every decision we make””
- First telecom in MENA to partner with Business Disability Forum
- Opening applications for a new GROW batch and personalised individual development plans for employees with disabilities to ensure career progression and growth.
Kuwait City, 3 December 2025
Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has launched three strategic disability inclusion initiatives to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. The initiatives advance the company’s WE ABLE 2030 vision, powered by its ‘4WARD – Progress with Purpose’ strategy, embedding disability inclusion as a core business and talent differentiator across its footprint.
Together, these three initiatives translate WE ABLE 2030 from vision into action across Zain’s entire ecosystem, from how the company buys, hires, and develops, to how it advocates and shows up in the community. They include a new strategic partnership with Business Disability Forum to embed accessibility into procurement; the opening of applications for a new GROW program batch tailored for graduates with disabilities; and the introduction of personalized Individual Development Plans for employees with disabilities.
Launched earlier this year, WE ABLE 2030 is Zain’s long-term vision to ensure people with disabilities are safeguarded and empowered as co-creators of the technologies and experiences shaping the future. It focuses on inclusive hiring and retention practices, accessible products and services, global recognition for storytelling and advocacy, and clear pathways to career progression and leadership for persons with disabilities.
Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, commented: “Accelerating our We ABLE 2030 vision through these three initiatives are part of a deliberate effort to redesign how we hire, develop, procure, and advocate, so that accessibility and disability inclusion are built into every decision we make. We are moving from commitments to systemic shifts to operationalize our vision across the entire value chain.”
Al-Kharafi added: “By partnering with global leaders, investing in future graduates with disabilities, and personalizing development paths for our own people, we are signalling the kind of region we want to help shape. WE ABLE 2030 is about inside-out transformation. It brings our purpose of ‘Better Lives, Lasting Connections.’ to life by ensuring persons with disabilities are not only included but are leading and influencing the next chapter of digital progress.”
More on the three strategic initiatives to accelerate WE ABLE 2030
- Strategic partnership with Business Disability Forum (BDF): Zain has become the first telecom operator in the MENA region to partner with BDF, a leading international membership organization. This strategic collaboration advances the Accessible Products and Services pillar, as Zain Group’s procurement team are integrating accessibility criteria into supplier evaluation processes. The partnership also strengthens the Global Recognition pillar, by opening access to BDF’s global network of more than 600 organizations.
- Opening applications (com/en/grow) for a new GROW program batch for graduates with disabilities: As part of the Inclusive Hiring and Retention Practices pillar, Zain is inviting graduates with disabilities to apply for a three-month specialized training and internship track that will be rolled out in 2026 across four Zain operations. The program, designed specifically for graduates with disabilities, will provide equitable access to high-quality learning and a structured internship opportunity at Zain premises.
- Personalized Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for employees with disabilities: To ensure employees have tailored development plans and reinforce clear pathways to career progression and leadership. Each IDP is built from a comprehensive 34-question internal survey, capturing individual aspirations and specific support needs.
From commitments to systems change
These three initiatives deepen the implementation of the WE ABLE 2030 vision and complement Zain’s broader efforts, including its long-standing commitments to accessible infrastructure, inclusive training, and assistive technologies.
The impact of the WE ABLE vision is also reflected in significant achievements over the past year, including the global publication of two case studies by PurpleSpace and Be My Eyes, highlighting Zain and WE ABLE’s role in driving meaningful change in the region. Throughout the year, more than 20 disability etiquette sessions were delivered to hundreds of employees by Zain personnel with disabilities across the group. Furthermore, Zain employees volunteering on the Be My Eyes platform completed over 1500 successful calls during 2025.
By aligning its disability inclusion agenda with its ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ strategy, Zain is working to set a new regional benchmark where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a catalyst for innovation, value creation, and more inclusive growth across the MENA region. Graduates with disabilities are invited to apply for GROW: zain.com/en/grow ENDS
