UAE’s intangible assets surge 95% as banking sector drives unprecedented growth
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed remarkable growth in its intangible assets, with a staggering 95 percent increase driven primarily by the banking sector. This surge reflects the region's focus on innovation, intellectual property, and brand equity, as highlighted by Annie Brown, Director of Valuation at Brand Finance.
Globally, the Middle East stands out as the only region to record growth in the value of declared intangible assets in 2025, with a 17 percent increase. Kuwait, for instance, owns 4 percent of the total intangible assets in the Middle East, valued at approximately $2.4 trillion. However, a significant 83 percent of total asset value remains undisclosed on company balance sheets in the region.
Looking at the global landscape, the United States continues to dominate, holding a substantial 78 percent of the total intangible assets. In the corporate sphere, Nvidia topped the list in 2025, with a valuation of $4.3 trillion. The total value of intangible assets owned by the world's largest companies is projected to reach $97.6 trillion in 2025, marking a 23 percent increase from the previous year.
Despite the UAE's impressive growth, Saudi Arabia saw a decrease in its intangible asset value, dropping from $1.9 trillion in 2024 to $1.6 trillion in 2025, largely due to a 16 percent decline in the oil and gas sector. As the Middle East continues to evolve, the focus on intangible assets and their accurate reporting will be crucial for driving future growth and investment.
