WHO WE ARE

The Future Cement Initiative (FCI) is a non-profit organization founded in early 2025 by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM), and the National Cement Committee, representing 16 cement companies operating across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. FCI is operated by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

FCI is Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated platform bridging academic research, industrial operations, and policy development for the cement and concrete sector. Working directly with all 16 member companies, FCI coordinates pilot programs, benchmarks sector performance against global standards, and translates leading international practice into Saudi-applicable solutions.

Mission Statement

FCI’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of Saudi Arabia’s cement and concrete sector by connecting rigorous scientific research with industrial deployment, policy alignment, and capacity development, in direct support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its 2060 net-zero commitment.

Three Pillars

Research

Generating the evidence base for Saudi cement decarbonization through applied science, technology assessment, and global benchmarking.

Industry Engagement

Embedding FCI findings directly into plant-level operations across all 16 member companies and their facilities.

Policy & Standards

Aligning sector practice with Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative targets, and international frameworks including the GCCA 2050 Roadmap and the IEA Breakthrough Agenda.

Founding Members

Strategic funder and governance anchor; sovereign mandate

Regulatory alignment, national policy interface, KPI co-development

Industry representation, data sharing, pilot co-funding, standards input

Scientific leadership, program management, research and publications

Our Team

Dr. Bassam Dally

Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Clean Energy Research Platform – KAUST
Chair – Steering Committee

Eng. Turki Al Babtain

Deputy Minister of Mining Development
Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Member – Steering Committee

Eng. Shoeil bin Jarallah Al Ayed

CEO & Board Member
Riyadh Cement Company
Member – Steering Committee

Majed Al Osailan

CEO & Board Member
City Cement Company
Member – Steering Committee

Eng. Mosleh Al Emrani

General Manager Non-Metallic Minerals
Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Member – Steering Committee

Mohamed Zayed

Business Development Manager
Clean Energy Research Platform – KAUST
Member – Steering Committee

Founding & Governance

FCI was established in early 2025 as a non-profit organization under Saudi law. Its founding structure reflects a
deliberate tri-sector partnership: sovereign capital through PIF, regulatory authority through MIM, and direct
industrial representation through the National Cement Committee. KAUST serves as the operational and
scientific backbone, providing institutional infrastructure, research capability, and neutral convening power.

Industry Members

FCI's 16 member companies represent the full breadth of Saudi cement production, including Yamama Cement (~12% market share), Southern Cement (~10%), Eastern Province Cement, Qassim Cement, Saudi Cement Company, and 11 additional producers [1]. Member companies participate in data-sharing protocols, pilot project co-funding, and joint working groups on standards and procurement.

Mission

To accelerate the deployment of cost-effective, low-carbon technologies across Saudi Arabia’s cement value chain — from clinker production to end-use — through rigorous applied research, industry co-development, and evidence-based policy recommendations.

  • collaborative enabling and applied research on environmental trends and emission requirements
  • industry implementation of new technologies and approaches
  • pilot demonstration programs in various cement related areas
  • connecting and interacting between local and international stakeholders
  • human capital development in cement knowledge and know-how

Our Vision

A Saudi cement sector that leads the Middle East in productivity, product innovation, and carbon performance — serving as a global model for industrial decarbonization in emerging economies.

To improve the economic and environmental competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s cement industry, aligning with Vision 2030 and supporting the country’s decarbonization goals by 2060.

Focus and Scope.

(1) Technology R&D — Next-generation clinker substitutes, alternative fuels, carbon capture integration, and kiln efficiency.

(2) Industry Deployment — Pilot demonstration programs with Saudi cement producers, co-funded by industry partners.

(3) Policy & Standards — Evidence-based decarbonization roadmap, regulatory frameworks, and human capital development for the sector.

This project is led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and is primarily supported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources ”MIM” National Committee of Cement Companies, and NCCC. The supporting parties combine all major stakeholders, government, manufacturers and end users and developers of many national level mega and giga projects and infrastructure development.

In addition, FCI will conduct individual research projects for other individual members of the Initiative, that are more technical in nature. This may include, but not limited to, production technology assessment, techno-economics and feasibility studies, blends and their impacts on cement characteristics under KSA conditions, carbon capture, alternative fuels, use of renewables, and new types of cement and its niche markets.