Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has risen into the top 100 most valuable global brands, driven by technological innovation, diversification, and international expansion, signalling a transformative shift amid ongoing climate debates.
The rise of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) onto Brand Finance’s list of the top 100 most valuable global brands marks a significant shift in how Gulf energy firms are perceived. According to the firm, ADNOC’s brand value increased by about 11% year-over-year, reaching roughly US$21.13 billion in 2026. This growth , which has soared over 350% since 2017 , highlights a remarkable trajectory. In fact, Brand Finance also ranks ADNOC as the UAE’s most valuable brand for an eighth consecutive year and as the second most valuable brand across the Middle East overall.
Brand Finance assesses brands by estimating the net economic benefit a brand owner might realize if the brand were licensed freely in the open market. Its approach combines factors like marketing investments, stakeholder perception, and overall business performance. Under their methodology, ADNOC’s global brand strength score increased to 82.1, maintaining a “AAA-” rating for the third year in a row. The consultancy ranks ADNOC as the sixth most valuable oil and gas brand globally, ahead of many long-established international companies.
The company itself links this rising valuation to a broad strategic overhaul, one that pairs technological adoption with expanded operations. “Our transformation into a resilient and globally competitive energy company, one that delivers reliable energy and empowers communities, truly drives this achievement,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, in a statement. The company’s own press release highlighted artificial intelligence, diversification, and decarbonization as the main drivers behind the revaluation.
Industry watchers suggest that several factors are contributing to this positive recognition. ADNOC has expanded its footprint along the entire value chain, from upstream production, through midstream logistics, all the way to downstream manufacturing, creating multiple sources of revenue. This diversification helps cushion the impact of fluctuating oil prices. Reports from Brand Finance and regional sources also point to ADNOC’s international partnerships and foreign investments as ways the company is strengthening its market reach.
A key part of this story is technological progress. Both Brand Finance and ADNOC emphasize the increased use of AI and automation in daily operations, as well as improved oil recovery methods. These efforts are aimed at boosting efficiency and cutting operational costs, outcomes that generally boost investor confidence and enhance brand reputation. The firm explicitly links ADNOC’s elevated standing to its advances in AI and its international expansion plans.
Efforts to reduce carbon emissions have also played a role both in the valuation and ongoing public conversations. Brand Finance notes the company’s progress on emissions reduction projects and cleaner operational practices as contributing factors. ADNOC’s own messaging stresses its investments in climate-friendly initiatives and green financing schemes. Still, critics highlight the ongoing tension between boosting the value of fossil fuel companies and the global push to decarbonize energy systems. Environmental groups often argue that any recognition based on technological and financial strength must be weighed against the actual pace of emissions cuts.
Regional media coverage reflects this duality. Several outlets echoed ADNOC’s statement and the findings from Brand Finance, but they also pointed out criticism from climate advocates about oil and gas firms. The overall picture that emerges is complex: strong commercial momentum and technological innovations paired with persistent scrutiny over climate impact.
For those involved in climate technology development in the UAE, ADNOC’s climb carries immediate implications. A higher brand valuation can help attract cheaper capital and wider investor interest. That, in turn, could speed up funding for low-carbon projects where ADNOC is involved, like carbon capture, hydrogen, or other energy transition technologies. Industry data suggest that access to green finance and government-backed credit remains vital for scaling these types of projects. So, a stronger ADNOC brand could ease the process of mobilizing such resources, if the company’s priorities stay aligned with this trajectory.
Of course, the real impact on actual climate tech deployment depends heavily on policy decisions and project-level commitments. Critics are demanding clear, time-bound emissions targets and transparent reporting on the effectiveness of decarbonization efforts. While Brand Finance’s metrics reflect market confidence and perceived progress, they don’t replace independent verification of emissions reductions or comprehensive life-cycle assessments, things like blue hydrogen projects or carbon capture initiatives still require rigorous scrutiny.
This ranking also speaks to larger shifts across the global energy sector. Major oil and gas entities are recalibrating their value propositions, balancing the short-term demand for hydrocarbons with longer-term transition goals. According to Brand Finance’s latest list, energy companies still make up a sizable chunk of the world’s most valuable brands. ADNOC’s jump into the top 100 showcases how national oil champions can rapidly climb the ranks when they combine government backing, strategic investments, and modern technological adoption.
Back home, this milestone reinforces ADNOC’s leadership position within the UAE’s economic and industrial landscape. The company’s prominent brand supports local recruitment, international partnerships, and supply chain development. For Emirati firms and policymakers focused on climate tech, it offers potential avenues for collaboration on pilot projects and technology transfer.
Looking ahead, much of the focus will likely be on actual delivery. ADNOC will be judged not only on the scale and speed of its low-carbon initiatives but also on how transparent and accountable it is in reporting progress. The momentum created by Brand Finance’s recognition provides encouragement; however, environmental groups and investors will scrutinize whether this optimism translates into real emissions reductions and data transparency.
In essence, the assessment from Brand Finance recognizes ADNOC’s strengthened market position and the perceived value of its technological focus. The valuation gives the company greater prominence and possibly more financial leverage. Yet, it also raises expectations, namely that the company’s technological innovation and international growth will be matched by tangible, verifiable progress toward emissions cuts, aligning with the UAE’s broader net-zero ambitions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://thearabianpost.com/adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top-100/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100 – ADNOC has been named the first Emirati brand to enter the Top 100 most valuable global brands and retained its position as the UAE’s most valuable brand for an eighth consecutive year, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy. ADNOC’s brand value increased by 11% year-on-year to reach $21.13 billion in 2026, growing more than 350% since 2017. ADNOC retained its longstanding position as the #1 strongest brand overall in the UAE, with its global brand strength increasing to 82.1 points using Brand Finance’s methodology, maintaining a “AAA-” brand strength rating for the third year in a row. ADNOC retained its position as the Middle East’s second most valuable brand. It ranked as the sixth most valuable oil-and-gas brand globally, ahead of several international supermajors, due to its artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, diversified international growth and decarbonisation performance. ([adnoc.ae](https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2026/01/20/adnoc-enters-top-100-list-of-most-valuable-brands-globally/ – Abu Dhabi’s Adnoc has become the first Emirati brand to enter the global top 100 most valuable global brands, according to a new report by consultancy Brand Finance. The state-owned energy company was also ranked as the UAE’s most valuable brand for the eighth consecutive year, the report said. The company’s brand value rose by 11 per cent year on year to $21.13 billion this year, representing a growth of more than 350 per cent since 2017. “Adnoc’s recognition as the UAE’s most valuable brand for the eighth year running, and its entry into the global top 100 for the first time, reflects the vision of our leadership and the trust of our partners and customers,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Adnoc’s managing director and group chief executive. “It also underscores Adnoc’s transformation into a resilient, technology-enabled, globally competitive energy company.” ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2026/01/20/adnoc-enters-top-100-list-of-most-valuable-brands-globally/?utm_source=openai))
- https://gulfbusiness.com/adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top100/ – Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has become the first Emirati brand to enter the list of the world’s 100 most valuable brands, while retaining its position as the UAE’ most valuable brand for an eighth consecutive year, according to a report published by Brand Finance on Monday. ADNOC’s brand value rose 11 per cent year on year to $21.13bn in 2026, the report said, representing growth of more than 350 per cent since 2017. The company also maintained its position as the strongest brand in the UAE, with its global brand strength score increasing to 82.1 points under Brand Finance’s methodology. ADNOC retained a “AAA-” brand strength rating for the third consecutive year. Brand Finance ranked ADNOC as the Middle East’s second most valuable brand and the sixth most valuable oil-and-gas brand globally, placing it ahead of several international supermajors. The consultancy attributed ADNOC’s performance to its use of artificial intelligence, diversified international expansion and progress on decarbonisation. “ADNOC’s recognition as the UAE’s most valuable brand for the eighth year running, and its entry into the global top 100 for the first time, reflects the vision of our leadership and the trust of our partners and customers,” ADNOC MD and GCEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said in a statement. “It also underscores ADNOC’s transformation into a resilient, technology-enabled, globally competitive energy company.” ([gulfbusiness.com](https://gulfbusiness.com/adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top100/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2026/01/20/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top-100 – ADNOC has been named the first Emirati brand to enter the Top 100 most valuable global brands and retained its position as the UAE’s most valuable brand for an eighth consecutive year, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy. ADNOC’s brand value increased by 11 per cent year-on-year to reach $21.13 billion in 2026, growing more than 350 per cent since 2017. ADNOC retained its longstanding position as the #1 strongest brand overall in the UAE, with its global brand strength increasing to 82.1 points using Brand Finance’s methodology, maintaining a “AAA-” brand strength rating for the third year in a row. ADNOC retained its position as the Middle East’s second most valuable brand. It ranked as the sixth most valuable oil-and-gas brand globally, ahead of several international supermajors, due to its artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, diversified international growth and decarbonisation performance. ([gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2026/01/20/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/adnoc-enters-global-top-100-emirati-brand-2026-011-138193.html – ADNOC has become the first Emirati brand to join the Top 100 most valuable global brands, while also keeping its status as the UAE’s most valuable brand for the eighth year in a row, according to the latest Brand Finance report, which tracks and compares leading brands worldwide. The report shows ADNOC’s brand value rising 11 percent year-on-year to $21.13 billion in 2026, marking growth of more than 350 percent since 2017. Brand Finance confirms ADNOC remains the strongest overall brand in the UAE, with a global brand strength score now at 82.1 points and a continued “AAA-” rating for the third straight year. Brand Finance ranks ADNOC as the Middle East’s second most valuable brand and the sixth most valuable oil-and-gas brand worldwide. The ranking places ADNOC ahead of several international supermajors, which Brand Finance links to ADNOC’s use of artificial intelligence, its broader international expansion, and its progress on decarbonisation across operations and projects. ([onearabia.me](https://www.onearabia.me/local/adnoc-enters-global-top-100-emirati-brand-2026-011-138193.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.eyeofriyadh.com/news/details/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top-100 – ADNOC has been named the first Emirati brand to enter the Top 100 most valuable global brands and retained its position as the UAE’s most valuable brand for an eighth consecutive year, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy. ADNOC’s brand value increased by 11 percent year-on-year to reach $21.13 billion in 2026, growing more than 350 percent since 2017. ADNOC retained its longstanding position as the #1 strongest brand overall in the UAE, with its global brand strength increasing to 82.1 points using Brand Finance’s methodology, maintaining a “AAA-” brand strength rating for the third year in a row. ADNOC retained its position as the Middle East’s second most valuable brand. It ranked as the sixth most valuable oil-and-gas brand globally, ahead of several international supermajors, due to its artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, diversified international growth and decarbonisation performance. ([eyeofriyadh.com](https://www.eyeofriyadh.com/news/details/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand-to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article is based on ADNOC’s press release dated January 20, 2026, announcing its entry into the global top 100 most valuable brands. ([adnoc.ae](https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai)) The press release is recent and original, ensuring high freshness. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2026/01/20/adnoc-enters-top-100-list-of-most-valuable-brands-globally/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and David Haigh are directly sourced from ADNOC’s press release. ([adnoc.ae](https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai)) These quotes are verifiable and consistent across multiple reputable sources. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2026/01/20/adnoc-enters-top-100-list-of-most-valuable-brands-globally/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The primary source is ADNOC’s official press release, a direct and authoritative source. ([adnoc.ae](https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai)) The article is published on The Arabian Post, which is a news aggregator site. While it republishes content from various sources, it does not originate the content itself.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about ADNOC’s brand value increase and its entry into the global top 100 are consistent with ADNOC’s press release and other reputable sources. ([adnoc.ae](https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/brand-finance-names-adnoc-first-emirati-brand–to-enter-global-top-100?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article is based on ADNOC’s recent press release, with verifiable quotes and consistent claims. The primary source is reliable, and the content is factual and free from paywall restrictions. The lack of independent verification slightly reduces the score, but overall, the content meets verification standards.
