Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Market Company, known as VCM, has signed multiple strategic agreements to boost its role in global climate efforts. These deals, announced on November 5, 2025, in Riyadh, aim to grow the carbon offset sector and support the Kingdom’s net zero goals by 2060.
The partnerships involve tech firms, recycling experts, and analytics providers. They focus on creating high quality carbon credits, improving market transparency, and helping companies reduce emissions. This move comes as Saudi Arabia pushes for a greener economy amid rising global demand for voluntary carbon markets.
Major Partnerships and Their Goals
VCM teamed up with Simplenight to build a carbon offset service for travel and lifestyle buyers. This allows customers to offset emissions from daily purchases through an easy digital platform.
The company also linked with Altitude to bring carbon removal credits into Saudi Arabia. This supports businesses aiming for net zero by providing permanent ways to pull carbon from the air.
In another deal, VCM joined forces with Al Qaryan Group to increase local carbon credits from recycling projects. This will make more credits available for trading within the Kingdom.
VCM signed with MSCI for market insights that help Saudi firms plan decarbonization. These tools align with national targets to cut emissions.
Finally, a pact with BeZero Carbon adds rating services to check credit quality. This boosts trust and clarity for traders on VCM’s exchange platform.
How These Agreements Fit Saudi Climate Plans
Saudi Arabia has ramped up its climate actions in recent years. The Kingdom aims to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030 under Vision 2030. VCM’s new deals support this by building a strong voluntary carbon market in the Middle East.
One key aspect is linking buyers to projects worldwide. For example, VCM’s platform now connects to 17 climate initiatives, funding everything from reforestation to renewable energy.
These partnerships also tie into larger efforts like the Saudi Green Initiative. That program has already planted millions of trees and invested in clean tech.
Experts say these steps position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Global South for carbon trading. The market helps offset hard to cut emissions in industries like oil and manufacturing.
Recent Deals and Market Growth
Earlier in 2025, VCM struck a landmark agreement with Enowa, a Neom subsidiary. This deal promises over 30 million tonnes of carbon credits by 2030, one of the region’s biggest.
Such pacts show rapid growth. VCM’s CEO expects trading to double to 20 million credits in 2026, up from current levels.
This expansion draws international interest. Companies from Europe and Asia are eyeing Saudi credits for their quality and scale.
- VCM and Enowa: Delivers 30 million tonnes by 2030 for net zero support.
- Simplenight collaboration: Focuses on travel offsets for everyday users.
- Altitude partnership: Supplies removal credits for long term emission cuts.
These examples highlight how VCM is scaling up operations.
Global Impact and Challenges Ahead
Voluntary carbon markets worldwide are booming, projected to grow at 50 percent yearly through 2030. Saudi Arabia’s push adds to this trend, especially in the MENA region.
However, challenges remain. Ensuring credit integrity is key to avoid greenwashing claims. VCM’s rating partnerships aim to tackle this.
On the global stage, these deals align with COP goals. Saudi Arabia’s efforts could inspire other oil rich nations to invest in offsets.
| Partner | Focus Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Simplenight | Digital offsets for travel and services | Easy carbon neutral purchases |
| Altitude | Carbon removal financing | More permanent emission reductions |
| Al Qaryan Group | Industrial recycling | Increased local credit supply |
| MSCI | Market analytics | Better decarbonization planning |
| BeZero Carbon | Credit ratings | Higher transparency and trust |
This table shows the diverse roles in VCM’s strategy.
What This Means for Businesses and Investors
For Saudi companies, these agreements open new ways to meet emission targets. Firms like Aramco and Acwa Power can now access reliable credits.
Investors see opportunity too. The carbon market could attract billions in funding for green projects.
Globally, this strengthens supply chains for credits. It helps meet corporate net zero pledges amid tighter regulations.
As the market evolves, watch for more tech integrations. Blockchain could soon verify credits, adding security.
Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
Projections show Saudi’s carbon market doubling next year. This growth ties into broader economic shifts toward sustainability.
VCM plans to welcome more international members. This will enhance platform features and credit variety.
Experts predict this could cut regional emissions significantly. It also creates jobs in green tech and finance.
Share your thoughts on these developments. How do you see carbon markets shaping the future? Comment below and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
