The event will feature more than 600 major global brands from 33 countries. (Image source: Expo Centre Sharjah)

Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the 20th edition of SteelFab, the Middle East’s leading event for metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, from 13-16 January 2025

The exhibition is expected to see extensive participation from local and international companies and manufacturers, featuring more than 600 major global brands from 33 countries showcasing their latest technologies and innovations in the metalworking field. The SteelFab trade show brings together eminent local and international players in the iron and steel industry to showcase state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the metal industries, welding and cutting, pipe manufacturing, and other related sectors. Participants will represent the industry’s largest industrial companies from countries like the UK, Germany, India, Taiwan, China, Italy, and Turkey. The exhibition will also host some of the most prominent UAE-based companies.

Strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional metal production hub

HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, affirmed that SteelFab is the region’s premier event for the metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry. It serves as an important platform for manufacturers and companies operating in the field to showcase their latest products and services and connect with potential clients and partners. This will consequently enhance Sharjah’s status as a central hub for the metal industry in the Middle East.

He further noted that the exhibition has demonstrated remarkable success over the past twenty years, reflected in the high participation rates in previous editions. The new edition is expected to draw over 125 international companies and 170 local firms, indicating an increase in the number of exhibitors compared to previous years. Additionally, there is an anticipated acceleration in the turnout of visitors representing various industrial sectors, promising a successful edition that showcases the latest technologies and advanced equipment in the steel industry.

Advanced modern technologies

The SteelFab 2025 exhibition places special emphasis on the latest technologies and cutting-edge equipment used in the iron and steel industries. The upcoming edition will host a two-day conference dedicated to the latest industry innovations, alongside market analysis and emerging trends in machine innovation and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To enhance connectivity among steel industry leaders, the exhibition’s 2025 edition features a Buyers Program that offers exclusive networking opportunities between top industry specialists and exhibitors. The program is anticipated to attract over 200 key industry figures.

The exhibition will spotlight the latest trends and advancements in the manufacturing, iron, and steel sectors, featuring extensive displays of state-of-the-art laser equipment and metal cutting systems. It will also witness the 4th edition of the Best Welder competition, which is designed to honor welding talent, offering a platform for professionals to demonstrate their skills and vie for excellence awards.

EMSTEEL will co-chair the global industrial alliance alongside Siemens Energy. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

EMSTEEL Group has been appointed as co-chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation (AFID), led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The announcement was made during AFID’s event titled “Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors with Renewables: Accelerating Net-Zero Ambitions,” held at Climate Week NYC in New York City. This annual event brings together business leaders and policymakers to discuss policies and collaboration to achieve decarbonisation goals.

EMSTEEL will co-chair the global industrial alliance alongside Siemens Energy, taking over the leadership role previously held by TATA Steel.

Reducing carbon emissions

As co-chair, EMSTEEL aims to advance its commitment to global decarbonisation efforts by promoting a low-carbon supply chain in partnership with industry leaders. This appointment underscores the Group’s dedication to creating sustainable solutions and building a greener future.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, "We are honoured to be co-chairing the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation. This prestigious position provides us with a global platform to further enhance the dialogue surrounding industrial sustainable practices for a sustainable future. We take immense pride in representing the UAE’s net-zero successes as a beacon for sustainable change across the global industrial landscape."

Aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, EMSTEEL has made significant progress in decarbonising its products and supply chain, achieving a 10% reduction in its carbon footprint year-on-year. The Group has been recognised globally for these efforts, being named a 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) and as one of the five global steel producers taking concrete steps to decarbonise the steel value chain by the World Economic Forum (WEF). EMSTEEL has also been awarded the Sustainable Manufacturer Award by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation, supported by IRENA, aims to facilitate dialogue and increase collaboration among companies to develop and implement effective decarbonisation strategies. The alliance serves as a platform for exchanging insights, experiences, and best practices. UAE-based companies such as ADNOC, TAQA, and Tadweer Group are also key members of the alliance, representing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

Dignitaries from Ducab and other companies. (Image source: DMB)

Sania Aziz interviews Ducab Group CEO, along with the CEO of DMB. Read on: 

Ducab Metals Business (DMB) has doubled its aluminium production capacity to 110,000tpa and increased its bare copper capacity to meet growing global demand. The company made the announcement on 5 September at 'Ducab Metals Business Expansion Forum: Advancing Capacity, Driving Innovation,' held in partnership with Middle East Economic Digest (MEED). 

During the event, Technical Review Middle East caught up with Ducab Group CEO Mohammed Almutawa and DMB CEO Mohamed Al Ahmedi. “We are positioned in the value chain directly after the mine and the smelter. When we look downstream, we saw a big industry. So imagine the potential and the opportunities that we are seeing,” said Al Ahmedi, referring to the various sectors Ducab already caters to. These include construction, energy, cabling, automotive, healthcare, transportations, transformers, and others. “When embedded within our ecosystem, these industries can give us stability and sustainability. So that we can diversify when one of the industries slows down.”

Adding to the conversation, Almutawa said that Ducab has succeeded in using its existing products - cables - as a gateway drug for the rest of the industry. This means that the company has been able to provide. “We need cables for energising operations. This allowed us to learn about all the different sectors and then we found our alignment place. Today, I would never have imagined myself sitting down with the pharmaceutical industry. But now we are supplying specific products that will enhance their processes.”

One challenge for Almutawa has been the EV sector. He said that, due to the current infrastructure, it has been difficult for Ducab to service the industry. “We have had the hardest time servicing the EV market sector. Why is this? When we look at EV chargers, the cabling required for them compared to the cabling required for the demand of UAE for ten years is just a two week production.” This means that Ducab has had to foray into other markets. According to DMB, about 90% of its product is exported from the UAE. But at the same time, DMB is keen on contributing to the circular economy. “We do not go outside unless we satisfy the market,” said Almutawa, adding that DMB’s products only go global when the UAE’s expectations are met.

Read the full interview in the latest issue of Technical Review Middle East. 

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