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e& kept its spot as the UAE’s most valuable brand in 2024 with a brand value of USD 7.3 bn, marking a 23% y-o-y drop in overall value, according to a report (pdf) published by brand equity platform Kantar BrandZ, detailing the top 10 most valuable Emirati and Saudi brands. The brands’ pooled value has surged by 93% over the last five years to reach USD 97 bn in 2024, outpacing the top global 100 brands’ 66% growth rate during the same period, according to a press release.
The top 10 Emirati brands collectively generated a value of USD 31.8 bn in 2024, representing a slight 3% y-o-y decline. The telecom sector led the pack, contributing 28% of total brand value, followed closely by financial services (23%) and travel services (20%). Real estate made up 17%, energy 9%, and hospitals 3%.
Emirati firms rounding out the top 10:
- Emirates rose one rank to claim second place, with brand value increasing 15% y-o-y to USD 6.2 bn;
- First Abu Dhabi Bank slipped a slot to third place with USD 4.9 bn, down 14% y-o-y;
- Emaar climbed one place to fourth position, with a 25% y-o-y increase to USD 4.4 bn;
- Adnoc Distribution came in at fifth, down one rank, driven by a 23% y-o-y drop in value to USD 2.8 bn;
- Du held onto sixth position, seeing a modest 2% y-o-y increase to USD 1.8 bn;
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank remained in seventh place, though its brand value rose 20% y-o-y to USD 1.2 bn;
- Aldar advanced one spot to eighth place with the largest y-o-y growth at 47%, reaching USD 1.1 bn;
- Emirates NBD dropped one ranking to the ninth spot but saw a 30% y-o-y increase, bringing its brand value to USD 1.1 bn;
- Burjeel debuted on the list with a brand value of USD 972 mn, replacing Dubai Islamic Bank, which ranked tenth last year.
Drivers of growth: Heightened interest from high-net-worth individuals in luxury residential and hotel developments in the UAE supported Aldar’s rapid growth this year, while the rise in medical tourism pushed Burjeel’s brand value up.
How Saudi stacked up: Saudi Arabia’s top 20 brands reached a collective value of USD 65.5 bn, up 7% y-o-y. Financial services claimed the lion’s share at 59%, led by Al Rajhi Bank, which topped the rankings with a brand value of USD 13.96 bn.
Brand positioning played a key role, with 87% of the top 30 Emirati and Saudi brands recognized for their “meaningful difference,” enabling them to set premium pricing and boost brand value.
