Operator groups in MENA had mixed results in 2021 as they slowly recovered from the impact of COVID-19
"The major operators’ recent restructurings and their bold ambitions to capture digital opportunities outside their footprints will fuel investments in 5G, fibre and data centre infrastructure."
A few operators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reported a decline in revenue in 2021. This group includes Omantel and Zain. Conversely, e& (formally Etisalat group) and Ooredoo reported a return to revenue growth in 2021, and stc reported having a higher revenue growth rate in 2021 than in 2020 thanks to a strong performance in the home market. All five of the operator groups in the region (e&, Omantel, Ooredoo, stc and Zain) expanded their 5G coverage in 2021 and reported a strong take-up of digital services including mobile financial services and ICT services.