Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The 19th edition of the SteelFab exhibition, the largest commercial event of its kind across the Middle East and North Africa region, kicked off on Monday at Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS). Organised by the Centre with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), SteelFab 2024 has brought together 300 major global manufacturers, producers, and suppliers to exhibit the latest innovations in the field, produced by companies and factories from 35 countries across the globe, including the US, China, India, the UK, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Prominent local and regional companies are also participating in the event.

The exhibition, which will continue through January 11, was inaugurated by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, and Salem Ali Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Sharjah City, as well as several members of the SCCI Board of Directors and the ECS Board of Directors, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, SCCI Director-General, and  Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah. Also present were a number of government officials, businessmen, investors, manufacturers, and representatives of top global companies and factories operating in the steel industry.

Following the opening ceremony, the attendees toured the exhibition, which features more than 600 international brands. They inspected the pavilions and booths, viewing displays of the iron and steel industry’s latest products and technologies. Several exhibitors provided explanations about the state-of-the-art equipment and machinery used in the steel industry, showcasing their companies’ innovations and products which attest to the great strides taken in iron and steel manufacturing and fabrication.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais said: “We have witnessed a qualitative surge in the global engagement in SteelFab, providing strong momentum for the iron and steel industry — a pillar of the industrial renaissance sweeping the UAE. This is owing to government support for the sector, which forms the backbone for numerous manufacturing sectors and infrastructure projects. The exhibition serves as an opportunity to exchange expertise and experience, catalyse increased innovation, and leverage the latest technologies and tools of the fourth industrial revolution in the manufacturing field.”

For his part, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa said: “This edition of SteelFab has brought together international and regional leaders in the sector, including heads of global companies hosted in Sharjah for the first time, coming to roll out their latest products and launch them in global markets, as well as share their expertise and experience in expanding production with those operating in the sector. This enhances the exhibition’s role among investors looking to capitalise on the programme of events, which familiarises them and other participants with the industry’s latest developments and innovations and allows them to engage face-to-face with leading experts, innovators, suppliers, and consumers from global markets, exploring promising future opportunities in the sector.”

Over the course of four days, SteelFab 2024 will showcase cutting-edge global products, solutions, and technologies in the iron and steel industry at pavilions hosted by major global companies, catering to factories, companies, entrepreneurs, and industrial ventures. The event features a jam-packed agenda including a series of live demonstrations on the latest technologies of the iron and steel industry.

SteelFab 2024 will continue welcoming visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm, providing representatives of companies, factories, and industrial plants with the opportunity to explore technology-driven machinery and equipment designed by key actors in the field to save effort and time while performing production tasks, offering cost-effectiveness and a quick return on investment.

The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah has announced it is taking part in the 19th edition of the SteelFab 2024 exhibition, organised by Expo Centre Sharjah from January 8 to 11.

During the event, HFZA will showcase the various opportunities and advantages of investing in the Free Zone as well as the facilities and services it provides for investors seeking to set up their businesses as central hubs in the iron and steel industry or as key destinations for specialized heavy industries.

At the exhibition, featuring over 275 exhibitors and 600 international brands in the sector, along with numerous industry experts, HFZA will highlight the main advantages of establishing a business at its industrial manufacturing park, which currently houses over 180 companies specializing in welding and mining.

HFZA pavilion will also highlight its attractive services, which have successfully attracted investors from both domestic and international markets. The Free Zone offers a multitude of competitive advantages, including easy access to Hamriyah Port, comprehensive solutions encompassing integrated logistics, warehousing, and merchandise handling, customs exemptions for imports, exports, and re-exports, complete corporate ownership, the ability to repatriate 100% of capital and profits, and convenient access to cutting-edge facilities and a skilled workforce.