The formal launch of the Riyadh Voluntary Carbon Market marks a turning point for the circular carbon economy 2026 vision. Companies are racing to secure carbon credits as demand surges and supply tightens. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in Direct Air Capture technology, positioning carbon removal not just as a climate tool, but as a future exportable service.
This dual push between market creation and technology deployment signals a structural shift. Carbon is no longer only a compliance cost. It is becoming a tradable asset.
Circular Carbon Economy 2026 and the Scale of Opportunity
By 2026, circular business models alone are projected to reach $712 billion, reinforcing the central role of circular systems in global sustainability transitions. The broader circular economy market is forecast to grow from $556 billion in 2023 to $1,323.5 billion by 2030, expanding at a 13.2% CAGR.
These projections explain why governments and corporates are accelerating investments in enabling technologies. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage solutions require $5.25 trillion in investment by 2050 to scale globally. Direct Air Capture is emerging as one of the most strategic components of this transformation.
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Direct Air Capture Accelerates Alongside Carbon Markets
The Direct Air Capture market is expanding at extraordinary speed. It is expected to grow from $0.11 billion in 2025 to $0.69 billion by 2029, a 56.7% CAGR.
Saudi Arabia has moved early. In July 2025, the Kingdom launched its first DAC unit in Riyadh in partnership with Climeworks. The long-term goal is ambitious: 44 million tonnes of annual CO₂ capture by 2035 through integrated CCUS hubs.
In parallel, Saudi Aramco’s DAC pilot with Siemens Energy advances carbon removal capabilities designed not only for domestic use, but also for future export markets.
Riyadh’s Carbon Market Creates Immediate Demand
The Riyadh Voluntary Carbon Market, launched in November 2024, demonstrated instant momentum. On day one, 23 companies traded over 2.5 million tonnes of credits at 37.5 SAR per tonne.
Large-scale agreements, such as NEOM’s 30 million-tonne deal, point toward a voluntary carbon market that could reach $250 billion by 2050. This surge in trading activity directly fuels demand for high-quality carbon removal, including DAC-based credits.
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Circular Carbon Economy 2026 and the Consulting Imperative
As companies rush to participate, a clear consulting opportunity is emerging. Eligibility for the VCM requires credible carbon footprint assessments.
Carbon auditing services are growing fast. Medium-sized enterprises are expanding at a 12% CAGR, while large enterprises hold 55% of the market. Demand for Scope 1, 2, and 3 audits is driving remote consulting services, which are growing at a 13% CAGR.
For many firms, the challenge is not buying credits — it is proving emissions baselines with accuracy and transparency.
From Circular Carbon Economy 2026 to Strategic Advantage
Today, we see that the circular carbon economy is no longer theoretical. It is operational, tradable, and increasingly competitive. Companies that act early will secure better pricing, stronger credibility, and long-term resilience.
To navigate this evolving landscape, organizations can explore tailored support from Eurogroup Consulting. With 40 years of distinguished experience, Saudi Arabia Energy by Eurogroup Consulting excels in strategic consulting and market research across the region. Its dedicated teams provide deep insights and hands-on guidance, making Eurogroup Consulting the essential partner for succeeding in the circular carbon economy 2026 era.
