Etisalat has made history by emerging as the strongest brand across all categories in Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This feat puts Etisalat among the top 25 brands globally in the strongest brands index by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy.
This global accomplishment was made possible due to Etisalat’s brand strength and performance with continuous efforts and investments in accelerating its value by engaging with consumers across markets with launching many successful innovative global branding initiatives.
With this ranking from Brand Finance, Etisalat is now among the world’s strongest brands including Ferrari, Coca Cola, Apple, among others making it to the global top 25 strongest brands in the world. Continuing its growth streak, Etisalat is turning its sights on transforming into a truly global player and climbed 17 spots in the global 500 brand value ranking this year from 225th to 208th. Another noteworthy achievement this year is being ranked among the top five strongest telecom brands across global markets and the strongest telecom brand in MEA region.
Etisalat has also retained its title as the most valuable telecom portfolio of brands for the fifth year in a row with an impressive portfolio of brands touching more than AED 40 bn including Etisalat Misr, Mobily, Ufone, Maroc Telecom, PTCL and is also the only telecom brand to retain AAA brand rating.
Commenting on the development, David Haigh, CEO, Brand Finance said, “When COVID struck in 2020, Etisalat led from the front ensuring business continuity, digital and innovative solutions, enablement of smart cities and remote learning to help drive the digital future of the UAE. Staying relevant and enabling the nation with the fastest network on the planet, Etisalat has earned its place as the region’s ‘Strongest Brand’, ready deliver on its ethos of ‘Together Matters’ as the UAE welcomes the world at Expo 2021.”
In acceptance to the recognition, Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group said, “This is a historic achievement for Etisalat to be recognised on such a global platform among the best in the world and the region. Our efforts to bring innovation and digital transformation for all our customers have also led to Etisalat being ranked as the strongest brand on a global scale.”
“The previous year has demonstrated our strength and commitment in delivering uninterrupted high quality services to all our customers adding value to our brand while focusing on our vision to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’ realising our digital ambitions to reality,” Dowidar added.
“Recognised as the strongest brand in Middle East and Africa region is another testament to our efforts in sustaining a healthy portfolio that maximises synergies, creating brand loyalty and enhancing customer experience. Thanks to the UAE leadership’s support, vision and encouragement that has helped Etisalat achieve this significant milestone despite the headwinds posed by today’s extraordinary times realising our digital goals and surpassing many of the top global and regional brands.”
Operating in 16 countries with 149 million subscribers across Asia, Middle East and Africa, Etisalat’s success can also be attributed to its continued efforts to provide the best solutions and services in the various markets in which it operates, its support for community initiatives and events, and its adoption of digital transformation strategies in its various operations.
The success and growth of Etisalat’s brand value is mainly driven by an innovative customer service strategy, adapting well to a digital savvy marketplace, leading the 5G revolution and the successful launch of global brand building initiatives. Etisalat has also led digital innovation in the country by working on several digital initiatives in infrastructure, entertainment and smart cities.
Etisalat has reached out and engaged with its consumers across markets with global branding initiatives by sponsoring global football teams and clubs aligning with the brand’s priorities of being at the forefront of major sporting events. Etisalat also launched the brand campaign ‘Together Matters’ to highlight togetherness among its subscribers in today’s world of connectivity.
Brand Finance is the world’s leading independent branded business valuation and strategy consultancy, and is the organisation behind the Global 500 Brands and Telecom 300 league table of the world’s biggest brands ranked by their brand value, assesses the dollar value of the reputation, image and intellectual property of the brand.
