EMSTEEL launches private 5G network. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

EMSTEEL Group has successfully piloted a private 5G network, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&.

The initiative represents a major milestone in EMSTEEL’s Industry 4.0 journey and supports the UAE’s national strategy for industry, Operation 300bn, by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across its production facilities.

The private 5G network delivers high-speed, reliable coverage throughout EMSTEEL’s extensive and complex industrial environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional connectivity solutions. With data securely managed on EMSTEEL’s on-premise infrastructure, the network enables the integration of advanced technology projects, including the Asset Insight platform.

The Asset Insight application was the first to be demonstrated on the network. Using industry-grade tablets, workers can scan QR codes on equipment to access real-time documentation, maintenance history, and sensor data. The app also allows staff to generate maintenance requests instantly, helping to minimise downtime and repair costs while improving efficiency and safety.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Our partnership with e& UAE to launch the World’s first private 5G network in manufacturing represents a landmark achievement in EMSTEEL’s digital transformation journey. It is more than a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and ensure the safety of our people and assets. The Asset Insight platform is a powerful example of how we are translating Industry 4.0 principles into tangible operational benefits. This pilot launch reinforces our commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, setting a new benchmark for the industrial sector both regionally and globally.”

“This transformative private 5G deployment with EMSTEEL exemplifies our vision of enabling the industries of tomorrow through cutting-edge connectivity. By delivering enterprise-grade network infrastructure tailored for demanding manufacturing environments, we are unlocking possibilities for smart factories, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven operations. At e&, we are committed to partnering with industry leaders like EMSTEEL to co-create solutions that don’t just connect devices, but fundamentally reimagine how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable future,” added Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE. 

The successful pilot underscores EMSTEEL’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance operational performance while strengthening its position as a global leader in low-carbon steel production and sustainable building materials. This technology strategy extends beyond manufacturing, with potential applications in commercial operations, customer experience, health and safety, sustainability, data utility, research and development, and more.

At the eighth annual Sharjah Investment Forum – World Investment Conference (SIF–WIC 2025), held in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Alabbar highlighted the central role of manufacturing in shaping the UAE’s next phase of economic growth.

Speaking during a fireside chat titled “Vision, Venture, Value: Shaping the Region Through Leadership,” Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com and Chairman of Eagle Hills, noted that manufacturing already accounted for a greater share of the UAE’s GDP than real estate. “If you look at our economy, real estate is only 12% of GDP, but manufacturing is 15%,” he said. He urged investors and entrepreneurs to “look into manufacturing seriously,” adding that starting small and focusing on product quality and integrity could yield significant long-term rewards.

Alabbar described manufacturing as the foundation of real economic development, explaining that his business ventures were designed to stimulate growth through production, job creation, and local industry support. “Every project we do adds 5% to a city’s GDP. We create jobs, we pay taxes, we help small businesses grow, from the window maker to the cake shop owner,” he said.

He called on the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs to invest in manufacturing innovation and technology, pointing to opportunities in areas such as advanced materials, digital fabrication, and industrial automation. His message reinforced the view that the UAE’s economic diversification strategy depended on building a strong, sustainable manufacturing base that could compete globally.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), SIF–WIC 2025 positioned manufacturing as a key pillar of regional economic resilience and sustainable growth, in line with the UAE’s broader development vision. 

Honeywell announced the launch of a new production line for its advanced handheld mobile computers, the ScanPal EDA57 and the CT47, at its facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The launch marked a significant milestone in Honeywell’s localisation strategy, reinforcing its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by expanding high-tech manufacturing within the Kingdom and enabling faster delivery of critical industrial solutions.

The Dhahran facility served as a cornerstone of Honeywell’s regional operations and formed part of a growing local manufacturing base that also produced Honeywell gas detection systems. Fully equipped for assembly, integration and testing, the site allowed the company to produce and deploy its latest technologies directly from within Saudi Arabia, thereby enhancing operational agility, shortening delivery times and strengthening local technical support.

The ScanPal EDA57 was introduced as a rugged, high-performance handheld computer built for demanding industries such as retail, warehousing and field services. Featuring robust 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, advanced scanning functions and a durable design, the device was engineered to maximise efficiency for frontline workers across indoor and field environments.

Meanwhile, the CT47 — part of Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform — was developed as an ultra-rugged mobile computer designed to meet the evolving needs of modern supply chains. With enterprise-grade durability, real-time inventory and order tracking, and extended software lifecycle support, the CT47 helped manufacturers, logistics providers and transport operators maintain visibility and control across operations.

George Bou Mitri, President of Honeywell Industrial Automation for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Central Asia, said: “This new production line marks another important milestone in our localization journey. By producing global renowned devices in Dhahran, we’re equipping Saudi-based industries with the tools they need to digitalize oper,tions, boost productivity and drive efficiency – all while creating in-country value and supporting the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions under Vision 2030.”

Honeywell’s ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia underscored its long-standing contribution to the Kingdom’s industrial development. With nearly half of its Saudi workforce composed of nationals, the company continued to focus on technology transfer, skills development and innovation. This approach reflected Honeywell’s commitment to nurturing local talent and delivering sustainable industrial growth from within the Kingdom.

SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January. (Image source: SteelFab)

The region’s leading exhibition for metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication will return to Sharjah in January 2026, highlighting the UAE’s growing industrial strength and its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in advanced manufacturing.

Now in its 21^st edition, SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January, bringing together global industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge fabrication technologies, machinery, and safety-focused industrial solutions.

Sharjah’s rapidly growing economy, bolstered by a 361% surge in foreign direct investment to US$1.5bn in the first half of 2025, further underlines the significance of the event. The emirate’s expanding industrial base and strong infrastructure continue to attract global manufacturers and suppliers, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and safe production practices.

“SteelFab continues to grow in relevance as the UAE intensifies its focus on industrial development and global trade partnerships,” said H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The UAE’s industrial sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. The event reflects the country’s strategic direction, where policy support, innovation, and international collaboration are driving a new era of industrial growth and competitiveness.”

The UAE’s industrial outlook remains optimistic, with GDP forecast to grow by 4.9% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026. With over US$11bn in financing directed toward industrial companies, the country’s manufacturing ecosystem is poised for expansion, underpinned by strong regulatory standards and safety-driven innovation.

“The exhibition will feature next-generation solutions—from robotics, smart manufacturing, and inline metrology to noncontact measurement and portable 3D scanning, that enhance precision and reduce waste. Sustainability will be central, with energy-efficient tools and lifecycle analysis strategies. By blending automation with human expertise, SteelFab 2026 positions itself as the definitive venue for fabricators seeking resilience and future-ready operations,” said Sultan Shattaf, commercial director of Expo Centre Sharjah.

A major highlight will be the 5^th Best Welder Competition, sponsored by ESAB, spotlighting top talent and promoting safety in welding and cutting operations through advanced robotic technologies.

Building on the record-breaking success of its 20th edition, which attracted over 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, SteelFab 2026 is expected to host more than 650 leading brands and showcase the innovations shaping the future of safe, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing.