Kantar and WPP reveal 30 Most Valuable Brands in Saudi Arabia and UAE

A man passes a Saudi Telecom Company (STC) office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 6, 2018. (Reuters)
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Updated 06 October 2020
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Kantar and WPP reveal 30 Most Valuable Brands in Saudi Arabia and UAE

  • Banks and telecom providers contribute 70% of total brand value
  • HungerStation is the youngest brand and only lifestyle platform in the Top 30

DUBAI: Identifying the most valuable brands in the region, the inaugural BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi Brands 2020 ranking was released today by advertising group WPP and research company Kantar. With a combined value of $50 billion, the ranking includes consumer-facing brands across a range of categories, from food to energy, which reflect the changing lifestyles and attitudes within the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Telecom providers and banks contribute 70 percent ($35 billion) of the combined brand value of the Top 30. Saudi telecom giant STC is the most valuable brand, worth $9.7 billion, topping the ranking due to its scale and strength, as well as bold new communications initiatives and a strong sense of brand purpose. In addition to providing telecom services, it has made efforts to promote opportunities for women, young people and those with disabilities.

With its focus on customer experience, Etisalat ($5.2 billion) is the second most valuable brand, focusing on how technology enriches people’s lives, communicated through its “Together Matters” tagline and Smiles loyalty scheme. Al-Rajhi Bank ($4.7 billion) and FAB ($3.9 billion) are at three and four out of the 13 banking brands in the Top 30.

Emirates ($3 billion) completes the top five with the highest brand equity of the Top 30 brands. The only airline in the ranking, Emirates has successfully integrated online and offline services for a seamless customer experience, while pioneering sustainable measures.

Knowing the importance of local cuisine in people’s lives — especially in the last few months — has propelled two food brands, Almarai (No. 6; $2.8 billion) and Saudia (No. 30; $290 million), into the ranking. Accounting for 6 percent of the Top 30’s value, both brands have expanded from their original dairy business, although this remains their primary focus because of its prominence in regional dishes.

Real estate brand Emaar (No. 9; $1.8 billion) has put innovation at the forefront of its customer experience by developing the Emaar ONE app to allow homeowners to fully manage their property from their phones. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (No. 11, $1.7 billion) has successfully expanded its oil and gas operations across the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing energy market.

HungerStation (No. 25; $488 million) is the youngest brand in this inaugural ranking and the only lifestyle platform in the Top 30. Its success shows the importance of understanding the market, from what people eat to how they shop, as well as the effectiveness of targeting different consumer groups with different communications. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the brand offered free delivery of groceries and pharmacy products to its customers.

Many brands have adapted their communications to reflect the developing role of women in the region and in the corporate world. Banks in particular have placed women at the heart of their brand-building efforts, including Riyad Bank (No. 13; $1 billion), which offers specialized banking services with a professional women-only staff. Samba (No.15; $901 million) offers dedicated branches for women and became the first banking group with a female CEO in Saudi Arabia.

Here’s the full list of the Top 30 Most Valuable Emirati and Saudi brands:

David Roth, CEO of The Store WPP, EMEA and Asia and chairman of BrandZ, said: “In this first BrandZ ranking to cover Emirati and Saudi brands, it’s clear that there are huge opportunities in the region for brands that can adapt to new and dynamic markets and meet fast-changing consumer needs. Creating value by developing meaningfully different, valuable and responsible brands in the region is good for consumers, economies, businesses, employers and shareholders alike.”

Amol Ghate, CEO Middle East, Insights Division at Kantar added: “Our first Top 30 ranking is reflective of the diversity and dynamic nature of life within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We see brands that have a long history in the region, as well as new and upcoming brands that are influencing the way we live, shop, eat and travel. It’s an exciting time as new innovative brands collide with old, but what they have in common is a desire to meet the demands of a changing society. At the same time, brands have had to adapt quickly during the global pandemic to meet customer needs and support local communities at a time of crisis.”

Other key trends apparent in the ranking:

Improving perceptions of innovation is a significant opportunity for brands to drive brand value growth and to connect with new generations of customers. With no pure-play technology companies in the Top 30, there is a big opportunity for brands to step into the breach, capitalize on digital connectivity and meet changing consumer behavior, such as the move to online shopping

Disruptive and emerging brands are knocking on the door of the Top 30, including challenger brand Noon, which uses innovative geo-tagging technology to deliver products to exactly the right place, adding grocery to its existing portfolio to expand its base during the pandemic. Ride-hailing app Careem has evolved its range of services including online grocery, while CAFU, the most disruptive brand in the region and scoring high on ‘difference,’ is offering the first petrol delivery application and has customized its offerings to different types of customers. In addition, Saudi brand Albaik is shaking up fast food with its ‘must-have’ broasted chicken

Brand purpose is an untapped opportunity for brands in the region to increase brand value further. Companies like HungerStation, Emirates, Albaik and Almarai all score highly on the BrandZ Purpose Index. Brands are recognizing that even small steps can make a big difference with consumers.

The BrandZ strong brand portfolios have consistently outperformed the market, including the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index. This validates the role of marketing and brand-building investment to support recovery at a critical time for businesses.

The rankings are based on Kantar’s BrandZ brand valuation methodology that combines extensive and ongoing consumer insights with rigorous ­financial analysis. For this study, over 12,000 consumers were interviewed about 343 brands across 19 categories.


Israel kills another journalist in Gaza as global criticism intensifies

Updated 29 May 2025
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Israel kills another journalist in Gaza as global criticism intensifies

  • Moataz Mohammed Rajab was killed by an airstrike on a civilian vehicle
  • Latest casualty comes amid mounting international calls for sanctions on Israel

LONDON: Israeli forces killed Moataz Mohammed Rajab, a Palestinian photojournalist and video editor for Al-Quds Al-Youm TV, in an airstrike on Gaza City late Wednesday, amid mounting international condemnation of Israel’s conduct in the war.

According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Rajab was killed while covering Israeli attacks near Al-Nafaq Street, when an airstrike hit a civilian vehicle. He died instantly along with other civilians.

The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned what it called the “systematic targeting and assassination” of Palestinian journalists, accusing Israel of a deliberate campaign against the press.

“This is not random,” the office said in a statement. “Israel is deliberately assassinating Palestinian journalists.”

It urged the International Federation of Journalists, the Arab Journalists Union and global press freedom organizations to move beyond statements and take tangible action.

Rajab’s death comes amid mounting pressure on Israel to deescalate its assault on Gaza and ease a months-long blockade that has plunged the enclave’s 2.3 million residents into a severe humanitarian crisis.

Calls for restraint have grown increasingly urgent in recent days. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israeli actions had taken “tragic and unacceptable forms,” and urged an immediate end to the bombings and resumption of humanitarian aid. He added that the forced displacement of Palestinians “is not and never will be an acceptable option.”

In one of the strongest public criticisms yet from a close ally, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz earlier this week questioned the justification for continued Israeli airstrikes, calling them “no longer comprehensible” and suggesting they go beyond the stated aim of defeating Hamas. Observers say the remarks reflect a growing shift in German public opinion.

As the war passes the 600-day mark, international calls for a ceasefire are gaining traction.

At least 44 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday. The latest attacks came a day after desperate civilians looted a World Food Programme warehouse in central Gaza, highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis.

Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority of them civilians, including thousands of children.

The toll on journalists has also been staggering. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 181 media workers have been confirmed killed: 173 Palestinian, six Lebanese and two Israeli.

The organization said that at least 17 journalists and two media workers were deliberately targeted by Israeli forces in what CPJ classifies as murder.

In a report issued Wednesday, CPJ said Israel’s blockade and hunger crisis are severely hampering the ability of the press to cover the war, with Gaza’s media sector now described as “dismantled” and “exhausted.”


TikTok and SRMG join forces to back local talent, drive MENA media innovation

Updated 28 May 2025
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TikTok and SRMG join forces to back local talent, drive MENA media innovation

  • Partnership will accelerate creator economy and drive commercial growth by integrating TikTok’s platform with SRMG’s media ecosystem, events, and training initiatives, companies said

RIYADH: Leading media group SRMG has announced a strategic partnership with TikTok to empower the next generation of content creators in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region, while also driving commercial growth through a series of innovative initiatives. 

The partnership will leverage TikTok’s expertise in amplifying content reach, unlocking monetization opportunities, and fostering deeper connections with the region’s digitally native audience. It also aims to expand TikTok’s footprint through integration into SRMG’s flagship events and diverse media platforms, particularly in the fields of entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.

A key initiative under the partnership was the launch of #TikTokAcademy, a local program tailored for Saudi Arabia and developed in conjunction with SRMG Academy. This initiative invites aspiring digital storytellers to submit original content across lifestyle, fashion, film and entertainment, news, and sports. Selected creators will gain exclusive training across SRMG’s media brands, gaining firsthand experience alongside editors, journalists, and producers.

As part of the partnership, SRMG’s cultural and entertainment events such as the Billboard Arabia Music Awards and Hia Hub, will provide a prominent platform to spotlight TikTok creators and raise their profile. SRMG will also activate its extensive media network, including, Hia Magazine, Sayidaty, Arriyadiyah, and Billboard Arabia to amplify content and showcase creators through editorial and digital platforms.

This aligns with broader industry momentum, as the media sector added SAR 14.5 billion ($3.86 billion) to the GDP in 2023, with ambitions to more than triple that by 2030 and generate 67,000 jobs by 2024. The entertainment sector is booming as well, bringing in over SAR 1 billion in revenue and engaging more than 75 million people in the past five years. Social media is a major driving force behind this surge, with Saudi Arabia ranked among the top countries for usage, fuelling a new era of content creation, digital storytelling, and influencer-led innovation.

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Commenting on the partnership, Bassil Al Mouallimi Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at SRMG, said: “We believe in the power of community and in the influential role the new generation plays in shaping the future of media in our region.” He noted that “the region’s creative economy is witnessing remarkable and rapid growth, particularly across the media, entertainment, and social platform sectors.” Al Mouallimi added: “Our strategic partnership with TikTok marks a significant step in solidifying our presence at the heart of this creative movement. We are working to connect talented creators with global platforms and foster an environment that empowers them to thrive and make a meaningful impact.” He emphasized that “this goes beyond simply producing trend-driven content — it’s about building sustainable career paths, amplifying authentic voices, and driving growth in the content economy.”

Kinda Ibrahim, TikTok’s General Manager of Content Operations in MEA, South and Central Asia said “At TikTok, we are committed to empowering a new generation of storytellers by giving them the tools, platform, and global stage to express themselves and shape culture. Saudi Arabia is home to an incredibly engaged and creative community. Through this partnership with SRMG, we are doubling down on our efforts to nurture local talent, fuel the region’s creative economy, and help creators thrive, not just in the Kingdom, but across the world.” 

This strategic partnership builds on the momentum of earlier joint initiatives, including the launch of the Billboard Arabia TikTok Music Charts, a first-of-its-kind platform spotlighting the most streamed and culturally influential songs in the Arab world. It also follows the rollout of SRMG Academy’s first technology journalism course, powered by TikTok, designed to train the next wave of Saudi storytellers in navigating and reporting on the fast-evolving tech landscape.


Adviser to UAE president warns of regional gridlock without strategic shifts

(AN photo/Abdurrahman Fahad Bin Shulhub)
Updated 28 May 2025
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Adviser to UAE president warns of regional gridlock without strategic shifts

DUBAI: Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, defended the country’s foreign policy and addressed the Arab world’s uncertain geopolitical landscape during a panel discussion at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai.

“How can you explain everything that is happening in the Arab world now?” asked Taher Baraka, presenter at Al Arabiya.

Gargash responded with a single word: “Uncertainty.”

Elaborating on this theme, he pointed to the fragile resurgence of nations such as Syria and Lebanon as central to the region’s current volatility.

“We have two Arab worlds,” he said. “There is the GCC, and then there are Arab countries that are suffering.”

Gargash emphasized the UAE’s proactive foreign policy, which he described as essential to fostering stability and peace for the Emirati people.

“We know we have to address the problems in our region,” he said. “Yes, there are challenges — but there is also significant potential.”

He also addressed criticism surrounding the UAE’s decision to normalize ties with Israel, a move that has sparked debate across the Arab world.

“Normalization is being used as a scare tactic,” he said. “But it is a sovereign decision, and for us, it was the right choice.”

Despite this stance, Gargash reaffirmed the UAE’s enduring support for the Palestinian cause.

“Our commitment to the Palestinian people and their right to a state remains unchanged. Their suffering brings us real pain,” he said.

Gargash argued that without normalization, the Arab world risks clinging to outdated strategies that perpetuate conflict and division.

Using the metaphor of a “bottleneck,” he described the political paralysis in Syria and Lebanon, where armed militias continue to undermine national sovereignty.

“We cannot have two armies in one country,” he said. “We need realistic priorities.”

Gargash highlighted the UAE’s role in supporting crisis-hit nations, pointing to the large Lebanese and Syrian diasporas in the Emirates.

“The UAE has been the breathing lungs for Lebanon and Syria during the height of their crises. Many of their citizens came here and thrived. If they can innovate here, they can innovate in Lebanon or Syria,” he said. 


New currency in the works, says Syrian economy minister

Updated 28 May 2025
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New currency in the works, says Syrian economy minister

  • Syria is striving to become an open economy and attract foreign investment

DUBAI: Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar has said his country is working on developing a new currency but will not make any hasty decisions.

Speaking at the Arab Media Summit on Wednesday, Al-Shaar said the new Syrian government was “dealing with this calmly and patiently” and pointed to the economy’s flaws under Bashar Assad’s regime.

“The regime had different channels to pay salaries, one was through royalties that were imposed on traders and the other was through captagon production. When the regime fell, these stopped so there is a shortage in liquidity currently,” he explained.

Liquidity was the main challenge faced by Syria’s economy, he added, as the previous regime had retrieved most of the country’s liquid assets from overseas before it fell.

“We are working on retrieving our funds from abroad in cash; unfortunately the regime was able to retrieve most of it but something is better than nothing,” he said.

Earlier this year, the UAE invested $800 million to develop the Syrian port of Tartous after the US lifted sanctions.

Al-Shaar said Syria was striving to become an open economy and attract foreign investment but was being selective to avoid creating economic chaos.

“Brotherly countries of the Middle East are all looking forward to protecting Syria from chaos, the Syrian people are tired of (it) and cannot bear any more,” he added.


Takreem Foundation gala honors Arab cultural luminaries

Updated 28 May 2025
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Takreem Foundation gala honors Arab cultural luminaries

  • Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa and Pierre Choueiri among award recipients

DUBAI: Bahrain’s Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa and Lebanese advertising mogul Pierre Choueiri were among those honored by the Takreem Foundation last week at a gala dedicated to celebrating Arab excellence on a global stage.

Emirati writer, art expert and philanthropist Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi was also among the prominent figures honored for their significant contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.

Sheikha Mai, a Bahraini politician and passionate advocate for heritage preservation, received a lifetime achievement award for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting Arab culture and consistently championing the importance of preserving historical sites.

As president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives dedicated to restoring and revitalizing the country’s rich heritage. Her close collaboration with UNESCO, particularly in her role as chair of the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage, further underscores her dedication to protecting and promoting Arab cultural heritage on a global scale.

Her award recognizes her enduring impact on cultural preservation efforts within Bahrain and across the Arab world.

Choueiri, chairman and CEO of the Choueiri Group, a leading media company in the region, received a special distinction for his contributions to the cultural landscape. While not explicitly a cultural figure himself, Choueiri’s recognition is tied to his support of Al-Multaqa Literary Salon.

Al-Multaqa, also honored at the event, is a renowned platform for intellectual exchange centered around Arabic literature, philosophy, and art. Founded in 1998 by Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, who accepted the award on behalf of the platform, it has gained recognition for its vibrant discussions, particularly those revolving around Arabic novels.

Recognized by UNESCO, the salon has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant reading culture, supporting emerging writers, and promoting intellectual discourse throughout the Arab world.

The Takreem Foundation’s decision to honor both Sheikha Mai and Choueiri reflects the organization’s holistic view of cultural impact. It recognizes not only those directly involved in cultural creation and preservation but also those who provide crucial support and platforms for cultural exchange.

Established in 2010, Takreem continues to highlight the achievements of Arabs across various fields, holding its awards ceremonies in major cities throughout the region and beyond. Through these events and fundraising galas, the foundation aims to inspire future generations and foster a greater appreciation for Arab contributions to the world.