stc Bahrain Partners with ZetaChain to Advance Interoperable Web3 Solutions in the Middle East

Manama, Bahrain – December 2024 – stc Bahrain, a digital enabler, proudly announces its partnership with ZetaChain, the first Universal Blockchain, as part of its Web3 Launchpad Program under the Pearling Path initiative. This collaboration underscores stc Bahrain’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies and driving blockchain innovation across the Middle East and beyond.

ZetaChain’s Universal Blockchain provides native access to all major blockchains, including native Bitcoin, enabling developers to create Universal Apps that seamlessly operate across these ecosystems from one unified interface. Its unique design eliminates the need for bridges or middleware, offering a secure, scalable, and simple framework for cross-chain applications.

stc Bahrain is now a ZetaChain Validator

As part of this collaboration, stc Bahrain will operate a validator on ZetaChain’s mainnet. This moves the network's security and scalability while enabling developers to build and deploy Universal Apps, natively accessible from all major blockchains, including the Bitcoin network.

“This partnership with ZetaChain represents a major step forward in enabling secure access to fully interoperable Web3 applications," said Saad Odeh, Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain. "ZetaChain’s Universal Blockchain simplifies the Web3 user experience across all chains, including Bitcoin, while aligning with our commitment to advancing blockchain technology in the region.”

"stc Bahrain’s leadership in telecom and its award-winning Web3 Launchpad program makes them an ideal partner for ZetaChain," said Jonathan Covey, Core Contributor at ZetaChain. "Their role as a validator will strengthen our ecosystem in the Middle East and unlock new Universal Apps that operate natively across Bitcoin and any blockchain from a single platform.”

Growing Blockchain Innovation in the Middle East

This partnership affirms stc Bahrain’s commitment to creating an interoperable and accessible Web3 ecosystem and bringing unique blockchain solutions and new technologies to the region, in alignment with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. With ZetaChain’s growing ecosystem — including over 4 million unique wallets, 154 million transactions, and 300+ dApp integrations — stc Bahrain is enabling developers and enterprises to deliver seamless cross-chain functionality, advancing the adoption of blockchain technologies across the Middle East and beyond.

About stc Bahrain

stc Bahrain, a subsidiary of stc Group, is the fastest-growing, most innovative digital enabler in Bahrain. Since entering Bahrain’s telecommunications market in 2010, stc Bahrain has revolutionized the telecommunications industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain and emerged as a market leader. This position has been maintained through consistent investment in next-generation technologies and innovative products and services, including advancements in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and mobile payments, and wholesale connectivity solutions. Our achievements include being the first in the region to pilot the foundation of 5.5G, launching the world's first structured Web3 Launchpad program, and driving blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This aligns with Bahrain’s Economic vision 2030, with ICT as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

In 2018, stc Bahrain disrupted fintech with its stc pay ecosystem of services, which has evolved to become a subsidiary of stc Bahrain, officially licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. stc pay is an all-inclusive digital wallet, making financial services more accessible and driving the Kingdom toward a cashless future.

Over the past decade, we've consistently topped Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority's Quality of Service report, reflecting our dedication to wide coverage and high-quality service. Through continuous investments in Bahrain’s telecom sector, our evolution into a forward-thinking digital enabler aligns with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030.

The company's persistent dedication to innovation has earned it multiple awards, positioning it as a driving force in delivering telecommunication, digital, and mobile financial services for everyday customers, homes, and businesses.

stc Jusoor, the company's corporate social responsibility arm (meaning "bridges" in Arabic), aligns with Bahrain's Vision 2030 and individual empowerment. Focusing on Community, Family, Eco, and Tech as key pillars, stc Jusoor's initiatives balance community development and technology, connecting and empowering individuals through the free exchange of experiences, ideas, and information.

Today, stc Bahrain stands not only as the preferred Telecommunications network in Bahrain but also as the most forward-looking digital enabler.

About ZetaChain

ZetaChain is the first Universal Blockchain with native access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more, offering seamless user experience and unified liquidity to the next billions of users. With its Universal EVM, ZetaChain empowers developers to build Universal Apps that operate natively across any blockchain, creating a fluid Web3 ecosystem from a single platform.

Follow ZetaChain on Twitter @zetablockchain and join the conversation on Discord and Telegram. Reach out to [email protected] if you’re building on top of ZetaChain.