CLEAN ENERGY
MENA’s renewable energy boom accelerates to record levels in 2025
The region added nearly 15GW of renewables in 2025, marking a breakthrough year as total capacity surged and project pipelines hit 202GW, signalling rapid scale-up.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Gulf adopts GSAS as regional green building standard
GCC countries have adopted GSAS as the regional green building standard (GSO 3000:2025), with a Riyadh workshop training 75+ professionals to support regional rollout.
GREEN MOMENTUM
Middle East’s sustainable bonds surge toward $25bn milestone
The region’s green and blue bonds issuance is projected to reach up to $25 billion in 2026, defying a 21% global decline.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLL
Conflict-driven emissions intensify global climate risks
The ongoing US-Iran war on Iran resulted in 5 million tons of CO₂ in just the first two weeks, matching the annual emissions of 84 lowest-emitting countries combined.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Qatar’s heritage sites gain ICESCO’s global recognition
Qatar now has 10 heritage sites on the ICESCO list after three sites – Al Mafjar, Ain Mohammed and Al Murwab – were newly inscribed, boosting the country’s cultural profile.
CARBON FINANCE
Saudi carbon trading grows with GCC-approved credits
KSA’s voluntary carbon market VCM is boosting regional climate action as Global Carbon Council or GCC‑certified credits begin trading with over 600,000 tons sold in the first month.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
World Bank highlights MENA’s rising waste challenge
A new World Bank report reveals the MENA waste sector costs $7.2 billion annually. With recycling rates below 10%, there is a massive opportunity for circular economy expansion.
Industry Insights
Simon Stiell
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Climate Security
“For any leader who is serious about security, climate action is mission critical, as climate impacts wreak havoc on every population and economy.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
President of South Africa.
Sustainable Future
“We must reduce carbon emissions at a pace and scale that is appropriate to our national circumstances. We must simultaneously climate-proof our development and infrastructure while strengthening resilience and disaster management capabilities.”
Santiago Peña
President of Paraguay.
Environmental Preservation
“Ensuring the stability of natural systems means ensuring the stability of our peoples, recognizing the human right to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.”
