Steel Powers MENA’s $3 Trillion Industrial Transformation as Global Leaders Gather at Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel in Dubai

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Steel Powers MENA’s $3 Trillion Industrial Transformation as Global Leaders Gather at Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel in Dubai

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is entering a new era of industrial growth, with over $3 trillion in active and planned projects and regional steel consumption expected to surpass 65 million tonnes by 2027, according to industry data. As steel continues to underpin the region’s rapid transformation, global industry leaders are set to convene at Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel 2025, taking place from November 17–19 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Organized by Fastmarkets, one of the world’s leading price reporting agencies, the 28th edition of the event will bring together more than 1,500 producers, financiers, and decision-makers from over 60 countries, making it the largest and most influential gathering of the global iron and steel value chain.

This year’s event comes at a defining moment for the steel industry, with shifting trade dynamics, including the EU’s proposal to raise import tariffs to 50%, prompting MENA producers to bolster competitiveness. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving investments in industrial diversification, green steel, and advanced infrastructure, reinforcing the region’s role as a global growth hub.

The region’s industrial pipeline has reached record highs, led by Saudi Arabia’s multi-trillion-dollar giga-projects, Egypt’s $565 billion industrial expansion, and the UAE’s $130.8 billion construction boom, alongside major developments in Qatar and Oman. These initiatives — covering hydrogen facilities, renewable energy plants, ports, and smart cities — are projected to drive 4% annual growth in regional steel demand through 2027, according to Fastmarkets data.

“Steel is the backbone of the MENA growth story, from rail and ports to green hydrogen and smart cities,” said Raju Daswani, CEO of Fastmarkets. “The region’s giga-projects and decarbonisation drive are shaping global demand and trade flows. We’re proud to support the Middle East as it cements its place as one of the world’s most dynamic industrial hubs.”

Serving as the regional host sponsor, EMSTEEL Group, the UAE’s largest steel and building materials manufacturer, is championing sustainable and advanced steel production.

“The Middle East is shaping a $3 trillion growth story — and steel remains its backbone,” said Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL. “Through sustainable production and innovation, EMSTEEL is committed to building the materials that power the region’s industrial and green future.”

Sustainability and finance will take center stage at this year’s event, with leading banks, investors, and producers exploring strategies to scale low-carbon steel and circular manufacturing.

“Global investors are seeking markets that balance industrial ambition with accountability,” said Catriona Bell, Director of Metals & Mining Transition Finance at Standard Chartered Bank. “MENA is striking that balance, connecting finance, innovation, and policy to drive the next wave of sustainable growth.”

Collectively, Fastmarkets’ regional and global partners represent more than 38 million tonnes of annual steel capacity, with a combined market value exceeding $35 billion and exports spanning over 70 countries. Participating companies include Ezz Steel, Al Ashry Steel, Hadeed, Al Madina Steel, Qatar Steel, SULB, and Champion Iron.

“Our partnership with Fastmarkets reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across the regional steel industry,” said Dilip George, Group CEO of Foulath Holding (SULB).

Key sponsors include Danieli Group, ElMarakaby Steel Group, Midrex Technologies, Rio Tinto, Samarco, Vale, and Primetals Technologies, alongside logistics, technology, and materials companies across the steel value chain.

Distinguished speakers will include Cyril Duchanois, Vice President of Decarbonisation (Metals) at TotalEnergies SE; Harsha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Shadeed Steel; and Rafic Daou, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Suez Steel.

As global trade realigns and the race toward decarbonisation accelerates, Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel 2025 will serve as the strategic platform shaping the future of the steel industry in MENA and beyond.