The Middle East’s intangible corporate assets jumped 17% to USD 2.4 tn this year, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 66% of the total at USD 1.6 tn, followed by the UAE at 29%, and Kuwait at 4%, Al Arabiya reported, citing Brand Finance’s Global Intangible Finance Tracker. Saudi Arabia’s share slipped 16% amid weaker oil and gas valuations, while the UAE recorded a 95% increase thanks to strong growth in banking.

Globally, the world’s largest companies are set to hold USD 97.6 tn in intangible assets in 2025 — a 23% increase from 2024 and the highest level since tracking began in 1996. Around 83% of this value remains off balance sheets, underscoring a widening transparency gap in financial reporting.

SOUND SMART- Intangible assets are valuable company resources that can’t be physically touched, such as strong brands, customer databases, innovative software, and creative rights like films or music.

The US continues to dominate in intangible concentration, with 78% of its corporate assets — reflecting its tech-heavy economy. China remains more weighted toward physical assets at 31%, though this marks a 16% rise as its tech industries expand.

Sector-wise, internet and software dominated with the highest intangible value at USD 10.1 tn, up 31%. Other highly intangible sectors include tobacco and e-cigarettes (91%), semiconductors (88%), aerospace and defence (88%), and cosmetics and personal care (86%). Pharma saw the largest decline, down 8% to USD 6.5 tn.

Top companies: Nvidia became the most intangible company globally, up 50% at USD 4.3 tn. Microsoft came in second place at USD 3.8 tn, Apple came in third at USD 3.1 tn, and Meta rose to the sixth spot at USD 1.8 tn. The changes are spurred by growing innovation, AI adoption, market trust, and shifts in sector performance.

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