Zain, formerly MTC (Mobile Telecoms Company) is the fastest growing mobile service operator with 70 million customers through the Middle-East and Africa. It is the number one or number two provider in the 23 countries within which it operates, with ambitions to eventually become a global brand.

In designing and overseeing the building of Zain’s global HQ, we created a unique space that reflects Zain’s ambition for a landmark building that was both a home and a practical work environment for employees, while serving as a source of inspiration that reflected the brands values of Radiance, Heart and Belonging.

The look and feel of individual department identities were based upon the Zain brand, but flexed to resonate with the function of each department and the personality of the people working within. A language of personality and character unique to each department was overlaid into each space with graphics, colour and textural finishes. This strong sense of department identity has a clear parallel with the strong team spirit of sports and the tribal collegiate world.

Eg. the Strategy department is represented by mind maps and mazes, creating a dynamic of thought and journey, inspiring thinking out of the box.

The project brought together staff from offices in 23 countries and created a harmonious environment that both assisted the relocation and allowed staff to build a personal attachment to their new space. It also gave staff a huge sense of excitement and pride to be working for Zain, so much so that many staff members took up residence before the building was totally finished.