Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, head of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority, inaugurated the 21st edition of the Steel and Iron Exhibition “SteelFab 2026,” which is organized by the Sharjah Expo Center with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The exhibition, which runs until January 15, features over 600 local and international brands and 350 exhibitors from 35 countries across a space of 25,000 square meters, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in steel formation and metal industries.
During his visit, Sheikh Khalid toured the exhibition halls, meeting with various exhibitors and representatives from participating local and international companies. He reviewed detailed presentations of their products and the modern technologies utilized in the steel sector. Additionally, he observed a range of notable innovations in metal production, advanced technological developments, and the latest products and solutions offered by leading nations in this field through national pavilions that host major commercial and manufacturing firms worldwide, particularly from the UAE, Germany, the UK, China, Turkey, India, Taiwan, and Thailand, along with prominent local and regional companies.
Accompanying Sheikh Khalid during the tour were Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Expo Center, Walid Abdul Rahman Boukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Chamber, several board members of the Sharjah Chamber, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of the Sharjah Expo Center, Saud Salem Al Mazrouei, Director of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, along with various government officials, dignitaries, and industry representatives from the steel sector.
Strategic Platform
After his tour, Sheikh Khalid praised the efforts of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and the Sharjah Expo Center in developing the event, which holds a prominent position on the global map of specialized exhibitions. He highlighted Sharjah’s establishment of a reputation as a leading destination for hosting significant specialized exhibitions and commended the Sharjah Expo Center’s ability to attract major international companies in the steel sector. He explained that the exhibition serves as a strategic platform, providing exhibitors with extensive opportunities to expand and enter markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Moreover, it offers local manufacturers, particularly in Sharjah—which has one of the most sustainable industrial sectors—an exceptional chance to explore the latest expertise and technologies that enhance the competitiveness of national industries and support their empowerment.
Backbone of the Economy
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais emphasized that metal industries hold a central position in the national economy as they serve as the backbone of supply chains in construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors. He noted that the exhibition is a prominent annual event in the industrial sector and a strategic platform that brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and investors, forming commercial partnerships that extend beyond the exhibition days. He pointed out that the continuous growth in the number of exhibitors and visitors reflects the increasing confidence in the UAE’s status as a regional industrial hub.
Ideal Platform
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stressed the significance of the exhibition as an ideal platform for factories and companies involved in metal forming to finalize deals, exchange experiences, and forge strategic partnerships with global industry leaders. It allows participants to connect local manufacturers with international supply chains, enhancing their growth opportunities and expanding their operations locally and regionally, while also supporting national efforts to establish a robust industrial economy in the UAE and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading regional hub for industrial activities and specialized exhibitions.
Global Companies
“SteelFab” attracts some of the top global companies specializing in cutting, shaping, and welding technologies, alongside regional manufacturers showcasing their innovative products. This allows visitors to explore a comprehensive array of advanced machinery and equipment related to steel production and contemporary techniques in metal shaping, including cost-effective laser systems tailored for cutting metals, steel fabrication machines, and AI-driven robots. The event features live demonstrations that enable attendees to witness the performance of these technologies firsthand while continuing the annual welding competition that attracts a selection of professionals competing in precision manufacturing skills. The “SteelFab 2026” exhibition includes numerous bilateral meetings, sessions, and discussions led by local and international industry leaders and experts sharing insights and experiences on key topics concerning the sector, including the future of steel production, sustainability, market changes in steel and structural iron, and the latest developments in this global industry.