Saudi Aramco Retains Top Spot as Middle East's Most Valuable Brand
State oil giant strengthens market presence amid volatile crude prices and geopolitical conflicts.
Riyadh: Saudi Aramco has maintained its position as the Middle East's most valuable brand for a seventh consecutive year, despite fluctuations in global crude prices and regional tensions.
According to Brand Finance, the company's brand value increased by 14 percent year-on-year to $47.3 billion.
This growth is attributed to higher oil production following the relaxation of OPEC+ output restrictions and Aramco's continued expansion efforts.
Aramco's robust investment-grade credit ratings from leading agencies, such as an A+ rating from Fitch Ratings and an Aa3 rating from Moody's Ratings, further solidify its market position.
The company has demonstrated operational scale and vast hydrocarbon reserves.
Brand Finance highlighted Aramco's production increase to around 10 million barrels per day between April and the third quarter of 2025 as a key driver of its brand value growth.
The firm was followed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., ranked second with a brand value of $21.13 billion, and stc, Saudi Arabia's telecommunications giant, in third place at $17.6 billion.
The report emphasizes Aramco's broader growth strategy, which includes progress toward gas production targets, global retail expansion, advancements in its petrochemicals strategy, and innovations in carbon capture technology.
In March 2025, the company unveiled Saudi Arabia's first direct air capture test unit capable of annually removing 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reflecting its commitment to reducing emissions.
UAE-based e& and Emirates hold the fourth and fifth positions respectively, with brand values of $16.35 billion and $10.63 billion.
Qatar National Bank follows in sixth place at $10.35 billion, while Al Rajhi Bank secured seventh spot with a 30 percent year-on-year increase in its brand value to $9.8 billion.
This growth is attributed to sustained long-term momentum and consistent double-digit revenue expansion.
Al Rajhi Bank reported a net profit of SR6.75 billion ($1.80 billion) for the first quarter of 2026, representing a 14.32 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Saudi National Bank placed eighth with its brand valued at $6.2 billion, up 17 percent from last year.
Emirates NBD, driven by expanded lending, deposit growth, and higher transaction volumes, moved up three places to ninth position with a value of $6.1 billion.
FAB, the UAE's largest bank by market capitalization and assets, ranks tenth with its brand valued at $5.5 billion.
Brand Finance calculates brand values using the 'Royalty Relief' method, estimating the value a company would pay to license its brand if it did not already own it.
According to Brand Finance, the company's brand value increased by 14 percent year-on-year to $47.3 billion.
This growth is attributed to higher oil production following the relaxation of OPEC+ output restrictions and Aramco's continued expansion efforts.
Aramco's robust investment-grade credit ratings from leading agencies, such as an A+ rating from Fitch Ratings and an Aa3 rating from Moody's Ratings, further solidify its market position.
The company has demonstrated operational scale and vast hydrocarbon reserves.
Brand Finance highlighted Aramco's production increase to around 10 million barrels per day between April and the third quarter of 2025 as a key driver of its brand value growth.
The firm was followed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., ranked second with a brand value of $21.13 billion, and stc, Saudi Arabia's telecommunications giant, in third place at $17.6 billion.
The report emphasizes Aramco's broader growth strategy, which includes progress toward gas production targets, global retail expansion, advancements in its petrochemicals strategy, and innovations in carbon capture technology.
In March 2025, the company unveiled Saudi Arabia's first direct air capture test unit capable of annually removing 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reflecting its commitment to reducing emissions.
UAE-based e& and Emirates hold the fourth and fifth positions respectively, with brand values of $16.35 billion and $10.63 billion.
Qatar National Bank follows in sixth place at $10.35 billion, while Al Rajhi Bank secured seventh spot with a 30 percent year-on-year increase in its brand value to $9.8 billion.
This growth is attributed to sustained long-term momentum and consistent double-digit revenue expansion.
Al Rajhi Bank reported a net profit of SR6.75 billion ($1.80 billion) for the first quarter of 2026, representing a 14.32 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Saudi National Bank placed eighth with its brand valued at $6.2 billion, up 17 percent from last year.
Emirates NBD, driven by expanded lending, deposit growth, and higher transaction volumes, moved up three places to ninth position with a value of $6.1 billion.
FAB, the UAE's largest bank by market capitalization and assets, ranks tenth with its brand valued at $5.5 billion.
Brand Finance calculates brand values using the 'Royalty Relief' method, estimating the value a company would pay to license its brand if it did not already own it.
