The Middle East Steel and Iron Conference kicked off yesterday in Dubai, featuring extensive participation from industry experts and specialists, with around 1,400 attendees from 55 countries.
In his opening remarks, Saeed Ghamran Al-Rumaithi, CEO of EmSteel Group, highlighted that the UAE continues to demonstrate robust performance in the global steel market, with demand anticipated to grow by approximately 7%, driven by a notable increase in rebar consumption.
He pointed out the significant challenges posed by global surplus, rising imports, and unfair trade practices, which require local manufacturing firms to maintain their leadership through quality, innovation, and responsible production to remain competitive amidst rapid global changes.
Al-Rumaithi emphasized that EmSteel is focusing on facilitating this transformation by integrating clean energy, enhancing efficiency, adopting advanced technologies, and implementing measurable sustainability standards through their sustainable steel program. They aim to strengthen supply chains, expedite emission reductions, and expand regional partnerships to turn current challenges into opportunities rather than obstacles for the sector’s growth and the future of industry in the UAE.
He also noted that EmSteel made a strong impression at the Middle East Steel and Iron Conference 2025, having signed three agreements on the first day of the event. He urged a collective effort to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, tackle global trade challenges, and accelerate decarbonization efforts across the steel value chain.
Global Surplus
Shirgil Azhar, CEO of Itfaq Steel, stated that the global surplus of iron is estimated at between 500 to 600 million tons, reshaping trade dynamics and significantly altering market exposures. He mentioned that protective measures might provide temporary stability, but the long-term competitiveness of the sector will rely on companies’ abilities to innovate, adopt advanced technologies, and transition towards large-scale low-carbon steel production.
The first day of the conference featured intense discussions on significant transformations reshaping the steel industry, including changes in trade routes and the accelerating shift towards low-carbon production. The day concluded with a strong affirmation of the growing global demand for low-carbon production.
During the conference, EmSteel signed three new agreements and memorandums of understanding with international partners. The first agreement, valued at 135 million AED, was with Primetals Technologies to install a new wire rod production line and upgrade rolling facilities at their Abu Dhabi plant as part of their asset modernization program. The second agreement, signed with Picard, focuses on collaboration to develop manufacturing industries and innovation in low-emission wire products. The third agreement, established with Suez Canal Investment Company, aims to supply base plates for major infrastructure projects in the Suez Canal region.