Adnoc first Emirati brand to enter global top 100

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has become the first Emirati brand to secure a spot among the world’s 100 most valuable brands, highlighting its expanding global footprint and brand strength. The Brand Finance annual league table shows ADNOC’s brand value climbed 11 per cent year-on-year to US$21.13 billion for 2026, marking growth of more than 350 per cent since 2017 and placing it ahead of a number of international energy majors. The valuation cements the group’s status as the most valuable brand in the UAE for the eighth straight year and the second most valuable in the broader Middle East market.

ADNOC’s entry into the global top 100 reflects sustained strategic transformation, underpinned by diversification, technology adoption and decarbonisation initiatives that have driven its competitive position. The brand’s global strength score has risen to 82.1 using Brand Finance’s methodology, earning a “AAA-” rating for the third consecutive year, a rare achievement among energy sector firms. With the new ranking, ADNOC now stands as the sixth most valuable oil and gas brand globally, outperforming several established supermajors in the sector.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of ADNOC, said that this milestone reflects the vision of the company’s leadership and the trust placed in the group by partners and customers. He emphasised that ADNOC’s evolution into a technology-enabled global energy company focused on reliability, community impact and long-term value creation has been central to its ascent. “Our transformation into a resilient and globally competitive energy firm delivering reliable energy and empowering communities has driven this achievement,” he said in a statement.

Brand Finance, an independent brand valuation consultancy, defines brand value as the net economic benefit a brand owner could realise if the brand were licensed in the open market. Its assessment encompasses marketing investment, stakeholder equity and business performance, among other factors. A rising brand value often signals stronger market perception, greater investor confidence and improved competitive positioning in a crowded global arena.

The UAE’s energy sector has seen heightened attention as companies navigate a complex global landscape that combines demand for traditional fuels with pressure to decarbonise and innovate. ADNOC’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, digitisation and sustainability measures has been credited with enhancing its profile on the world stage. Its diverse portfolio, which spans upstream production, midstream logistics and downstream manufacturing, supports a broad stakeholder base and builds resilience against market volatility.

ADNOC’s global standing has been bolstered by strategic foreign investments and partnerships that extend its reach beyond the Gulf. The company has moved to leverage technological advances in areas such as autonomous operations and enhanced oil recovery, while also pursuing decarbonisation projects designed to align with broader climate commitments. These initiatives have complemented its core operations and contributed to the brand’s higher valuation.

Market analysts note that the energy sector overall continues to undergo significant shifts, with global brands recalibrating value propositions in response to evolving energy demand and investor expectations. In the latest Brand Finance rankings, energy firms collectively represent a substantial portion of global brand value, with leaders such as Shell, Aramco and PetroChina continuing to anchor the list while newer entrants expand their presence. This environment has made ADNOC’s rise to the top 100 all the more noteworthy, reflecting both regional ambition and global market integration.

While ADNOC’s achievement has been broadly welcomed across business circles, it also comes amid debates about the role of fossil fuel companies in a carbon-constrained future. Critics argue that energy majors, even those embracing cleaner technologies, must accelerate transitions towards low-carbon energy sources and clearer emission reduction targets. The company’s engagement with sustainability benchmarks and green financing deals indicates an awareness of these expectations, although the pace and scale of change remain under scrutiny from environmental groups.

The milestone adds to a series of recognitions for ADNOC as it broadens its influence. Beyond brand valuations, the company’s strategic investments, talent development and international partnerships are seen as key drivers of its global ascent. Its leadership asserts that integrating advanced technologies with a focus on environmental performance will help sustain momentum in an increasingly competitive global energy sector.