As part of efforts to support the Kingdom in diversifying the Saudi economy and creating innovative new industries, KAUST has announced the Future Cement Initiative (FCI) to guide cement manufacturing. KAUST, the Ministry of Industries and Mineral Resources, and the National Committee of Cement Companies form the core group of founding partners of the FCI. 

Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors have surged by 60% over recent years, reflecting the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a global manufacturing power. Many of these projects are cement intensive, and a primary goal of the FCI aims to improve the economic and environmental competitiveness of cement manufacturing in Saudi Arabia through the development of cost-effective approaches and innovative technologies. In turn, this will position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Middle East region’s cement industry.  

To accomplish this goal, the FCI will conduct research on manufacturing technologies, emission reduction and capture, and effective strategies for future cement manufacturing in the Kingdom. Processes in cement manufacturing that demand high energy, such as the calcination of limestone, are targets for improvement. The close collaboration between the Ministry, manufacturers and major end users will enable pilot demonstration programs, connections and interactions with local and international stakeholders, as well as human capital development in cement manufacturing. 

Leading the FCI is KAUST Professor Bassam Dally: “This is a national project that aims to coordinate the various efforts within the Kingdom and to offer technology-based solutions for an important sector. The initiative will capitalize on KAUST researchers’ skills and innovations and will help increase the focus on cement as one of the key commodities needed for the planned historical construction boom in Saudi Arabia.” 

Vice President for Research, Professor Pierre Magistretti, added: “The FCI is part of KAUST’s new strategy to offer our skills, experience and infrastructure to support the Kingdom in charting new frontiers in terms of technology and innovation, while also address environmental challenges and decarbonization plans. KAUST has great potential to contribute to this field, and we are very pleased to partner with major stakeholders in the Kingdom to achieve this outcome.” 

The initiative was launched by the Vice Minister, H.E. Khalid Al Modaifer, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, during the Future Minerals Forum 2025 in Riyadh 14-16 January 2025.