stc has been recognized as the most valuable and strongest telecom brand in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive year, according to Brand Finance’s Telecoms 150 2026 report. The company’s brand value increased by 9% to USD 17.6 billion, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.6/100, earning it an AAA brand strength rating. Globally, stc ranks ninth in brand value and third in brand strength.
This growth reflects stc’s expansion into fintech and IT services, strategic partnerships, M&A activity, and focus on innovation and operational excellence. The company is positioned as a digital enabler supporting initiatives like Vision 2030 while competing on the global technology stage.
Other leading Middle Eastern telecoms also showed strong performance: e& increased 7% to USD 16.4 billion, ranking 14th globally in brand strength; Zain’s brand value grew 16% to USD 4 billion, ranking 35th globally; du rose 27% to USD 3.9 billion, maintaining 20th place in global brand strength; Mobily achieved 32% growth to USD 3.5 billion, becoming the fastest-growing telecom brand in the region and entering the global top 50.
Savio D’Souza, Brand Finance Managing Director for Middle East & Africa, noted that regional telecoms are evolving into global digital powerhouses, building integrated ecosystems in cloud, cybersecurity, data centres, and fintech to create new revenue streams and enhance enterprise relevance.
Other notable brands in the rankings include Ooredoo (45th globally), OmanTel (109th), and Telecom Egypt (137th). The total value of the world’s top 150 telecoms brands reached USD 741.8 billion in 2026, with Deutsche Telekom remaining the most valuable globally.
