Riyadh: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) concluded the annual Future Cement Initiative (FCI) National Workshop at its headquarters yesterday, held from December 8 to 9, 2025. The workshop brought together over 200 regulators, industry leaders, researchers, and technical experts to advance a shared roadmap for low-carbon, high-performance cement in the Kingdom. Preliminary results from the workshop identified new opportunities to reduce emissions and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's cement sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, cement is one of the world's most carbon-intensive materials. With global demand expected to rise from 4.37 billion tons in 2025 to more than 5.5 billion tons by 2030, the sector faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions while supporting infrastructure growth worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, national demand is projected to reach around 80 million tons per year by 2030, driven by accelerated development across housing, industry, and giga-projects.
Researchers reported that several types of locally sourced clay found in different regions of the Kingdom show strong potential as ingredients in more sustainable cement blends. Using these materials could reduce the need for traditional clinker-the most carbon-intensive component of cement-while maintaining the strength and performance required for construction in Saudi Arabia.
The two-day program combined technical training, research presentations, and strategic discussions on how the Kingdom can modernize cement manufacturing while meeting its economic and environmental priorities.
On the second day, discussions focused on strategic pathways for cement decarbonization, circular economy models, carbon management mechanisms, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the sector's future.
Additionally, the workshop addressed how cement produced in the Kingdom naturally absorbs carbon during its lifetime. Because of the region's warm climate and humidity patterns, concrete may take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the Kingdom at a faster rate than in many other parts of the world. Understanding this behavior can support more accurate emissions accounting, improved materials standards, and better long-term planning for infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, KAUST researchers are developing new additives and advanced material solutions designed to enhance the durability and performance of low-carbon cement. These innovations, alongside emerging technologies such as circular cementitious materials and AI-assisted modeling tools, form part of KAUST's broader effort to support the Kingdom's transition toward more efficient and sustainable construction practices.