Two thirds of the 12 Middle Eastern brands ranked in the Global 500 2026 rankings record double digit growth in their brand value, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy.
The region’s two energy giants, Aramco (brand value up 14% to USD47.3 billion) and ADNOC (brand value up 11% to USD21.1 billion), lead the Middle Eastern brands in the Global 500 rankings this year, supported by strong oil prices, continued investments in energy infrastructure, and strategic expansions in downstream and international markets.
Aramco strengthened its global footprint in 2025 by completing a USD3 billion international sukuk issuance that underscored investor confidence and by signing 17 memoranda of understanding and agreements with major US companies valued at more than USD30 billion to support strategic energy and advanced materials initiatives.
Meanwhile, ADNOC announced a USD150 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026 - 2030, secured a landmark gas pre-production export financing transaction of up to USD11 billion to advance its Hail and Ghasa gas development and expanded its green financing portfolio with a USD2 billion sustainability-linked facility, reinforcing its commitment to long-term smart growth and capital efficiency.
Savio D’Souza, Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Brand Finance, commented:
“The region’s most valuable and strongest brands continue to increase their presence on the global stage. The region is leveraging its natural strengths into broader economic, soft power and brand influence through its champion brands across diverse sectors.”
stc group has once again been recognised as the most valuable telecom brand in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive year and it ranks 9th among the world’s most valuable telecom brands. The stc brand increased its value by 9% to USD17.6 billion and retained its position as the Middle East’s strongest brand in the Global 500 2026, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.6 out of 100 and an AAA brand strength rating.
This performance reflects stc’s sustained brand momentum throughout 2025, a year marked by continued growth driven by successful expansion into fintech and IT services through a combination of organic growth, M&A activity, and strategic partnerships. This was underpinned by a clear strategic direction, ongoing investment in innovation, and a sustained focus on operational excellence and financial strength.
Taken together, these developments demonstrate that stc’s growth in 2025 has been strategic as well as financial driven by ecosystem expansion, innovation leadership, and global partnerships that continue to reinforce the brand’s stature. As a result, stc is increasingly positioned as a digital enabler aligned with national transformation agendas such as Vision 2030, and as a credible competitor on the global technology stage.
Qatar Airways (brand value up 34% to USD5.2 billion). The airline delivered its highest-ever revenue in 2025, up 6% year on year, underpinned by a strong recovery in global air-travel demand. Passenger numbers climbed from 40 million to 43.1 million in 2024/25 as international travel continued to rebound post-pandemic. Growth was further supported by the resilience of Qatar Airways Cargo, which recorded around 17% revenue growth, helping the group offset wider economic uncertainty and trade volatility.
Other notable Middle Eastern brand achievements include:
- QNB is the most valuable bank in the Middle East and the first bank to break the USD10 billion barrier
- Emirates (brand value up 27% to USD10.6 billion) lead the airlines brand from the region in the global rankings
- FAB (brand value up 21% to USD5.5 billion) debuted in the Global 500 2026 rankings
Global Insights:
NVIDIA’s brand now more valuable than Facebook and Walmart; Microsoft closes in on Apple The strong performance of Middle Eastern brands aligns with broader global trends highlighted in the Brand Finance Global 500 2026 ranking.
Apple retains its position as the world’s most valuable brand with a 6% brand value growth to USD607.6 billion. Behind Apple, Microsoft, (Up 23% to USD565.2 billion) Google, (up 5% to USD433.1 billion) and Amazon (up 4% to USD369.9 billion) have retained second, third, and fourth positions in the Global 500 ranking, demonstrating the continued dominance of leading US technology brands.
NVIDIA has climbed four ranks from 2025 to become the world’s fifth-most valuable brand. NVIDIA’s brand value has more than doubled since 2025, rising 110% to USD184.3 billion, reflecting its central role in powering global AI infrastructure.
YouTube has become the world’s strongest brand, with a BSI score of 95.3 out of 100, rising from eighth place in 2025. WeChat has slipped to second place with a BSI score of 95.1 out of 100, while Microsoft climbs eight places to third with 94.7. All three brands, YouTube, WeChat and Microsoft, retain the AAA+ rating, highlighting their enduring strength and global influence.
Revolut has emerged as the fastest growing brand among the world’s 500 most valuable brands.
These results underscore the enduring power of strong branding in driving growth, resilience, and innovation, both in the Middle East and globally.
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