Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairman of Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, inaugurated the 20th edition of the SteelFab 2025 exhibition today. This event is recognized as the largest gathering for the metal-manufacturing industry in the Middle East and North Africa.

As WAM reports, organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the four-day exhibition features over 600 prominent local and international brands and 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, all showcasing their latest steel fabrication and metalworking technologies.

During his visit, Sheikh Khaled toured the exhibition and engaged with various exhibitors and representatives from both local and international companies and pavilions. He received updates on an array of cutting-edge products and advanced equipment utilized in the steel and iron sector. The Sheikh also reviewed samples that highlighted the latest technologies and innovations within the metalworking field.

Accompanying him on this tour were Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah, alongside several board members from SCCI and Expo Sharjah. Notable attendees included Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, and Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, along with various government officials and distinguished figures from the steel and iron industry.

Following the tour, Sheikh Khaled praised Sharjah’s achievement in attracting participation from numerous countries for specialized exhibitions. He recognized Expo Centre Sharjah’s ability to entice new global exhibitors in the steel and iron sector, and he underscored SteelFab as a vital platform for businesses to grow and tap into diverse markets across the Middle East and North Africa.

Sheikh Khaled highlighted the exhibition’s significance as a valuable opportunity for local manufacturers in the UAE and Sharjah, which is known for having one of the most sustainable industrial sectors. He noted that manufacturers could greatly benefit from the expertise and experiences showcased at the event. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais reiterated the Sharjah Chamber’s dedication to supporting the metal manufacturing sector, which he described as a crucial component of economic growth that provides a solid foundation for the development of various manufacturing sectors and infrastructure.

Al Owais also pointed out SteelFab’s consistent annual growth, which he described as a strategic event enhancing the UAE’s position on the industrial map and aiding its economic progress. He stated, “SteelFab offers an ideal platform for exchanging expertise and investment opportunities among top manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and experts in this crucial industry,” emphasizing the Chamber’s commitment to supporting the exhibition and the steel industry as part of the UAE’s strategic vision to strengthen its manufacturing sector.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, remarked that this year’s SteelFab exhibition coincides with its 20th anniversary. He noted that the event has become one of the most significant specialized exhibitions in the region, reflecting the industrial growth achieved by the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. Over the years, SteelFab has evolved significantly, starting with just 48 exhibitors in its inaugural edition and now attracting hundreds of local and global brands, exhibitors, and industry leaders, along with thousands of visitors.

The 20th edition of SteelFab unites a wide array of major brands and leading manufacturers in the iron and steel industry from countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, the US, China, the Netherlands, and India. The exhibition also includes representatives from local and regional companies recognized for their pioneering technologies and innovative solutions across various metalworking and fabrication sectors.

SteelFab 2025 serves as a gateway for companies looking to expand into the UAE and regional steel markets. It provides exhibiting companies with opportunities to form partnerships, strike deals, and exchange knowledge with top global producers and suppliers, while also keeping up with the latest developments in this essential industry. Furthermore, the exhibition promotes networking opportunities for local steel fabrication firms to engage with their global counterparts, share knowledge, secure significant deals, and showcase their products and solutions, ultimately enhancing their market competitiveness.