Saudi Arabia has made a significant move in the global green finance arena, issuing the first-ever euro-denominated green bond by a sovereign from the MENA region. The €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) issuance, led by J.P. Morgan, highlights the Kingdom’s growing commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification under Vision 2030.

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First-of-its-kind Issuance: Saudi Arabia Becomes the First MENA Sovereign to Issue a Euro Green Bond

J.P. Morgan coordinated the transaction, leveraging its deep ESG expertise and long-standing relationship with the Kingdom. The issuance is designed to fund green projects such as energy-efficient technologies, reforestation programs, and public transport infrastructure—all under Saudi Arabia’s Green Financing Framework.

“This deal highlights our commitment to our clients and our specific expertise in helping sovereign issuers navigate the complex and rapidly evolving sustainable finance debt capital markets,” said Aditya George, Head of Sustainable Finance for CEEMEA DCM at J.P. Morgan.

Investor Appetite Strong: Over €7.2B in Bids for €1.5B Offering

The green bond was over four times oversubscribed, attracting more than €7.2 billion in investor demand—a clear signal of confidence in the Kingdom’s ESG trajectory. The seven-year green tranche priced competitively, tightening by 40 basis points and closing 115 basis points above its benchmark.

Also included in the offering was a $820 million 12-year conventional bond, priced at 145 basis points over mid-swaps.

“Demand for sustainability-themed securities, particularly green-labeled, remains robust in the European market,” said Paul O’Connor, Head of EMEA Sustainable Finance at J.P. Morgan. “That partly drove the decision to issue in euros: targeting Eurozone investors.”

Strategic Execution: Building Trust Through Long-term ESG Leadership

J.P. Morgan played a pivotal role in advising the Kingdom’s National Debt Management Center on its green financing strategy. The firm also led investor engagement efforts well ahead of the issuance to cultivate strong market interest.

The proceeds from the bond will directly support environmental initiatives, including the planting of 10 billion trees and expansion of sustainable urban infrastructure.

Global Relevance: Sovereign ESG Bonds Are on the Rise

This milestone not only reinforces J.P. Morgan’s leadership in sustainable finance but also reflects a broader shift. As sovereign issuers increasingly adopt ESG frameworks, investor interest continues to grow in high-impact, sustainability-linked debt.

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