SteelFab 2015: A catalyst of growth for regional steel fabrication & metalworking

According to latest industry reports on the GCC construction market, Saudi Arabia continues to have the highest market share of 44.3 percent with projects valued at US$1.1 trillion. The UAE is in the second place at 30.3 percent with a US$717.7 billion project value, and Qatar has projects worth US$270.1 billion, accounting for 11.2 percent.

While this takes into account all the projects that are currently under way, the volume of announced and planned projects in the UAE in 2014 alone is expected to be valued at US$315 billion, with the government announcing a number of major development projects and stepping up spending on social infrastructure development.

“While a buoyant market does generate better demand, latest technological developments too are a key factor that drives the market. For example, demand for automation in steel fabrication is increasing at a fast pace. From automatic robotic welding and surface treatment solutions to automatic material handling and fully automatic steel fabrication factories, market requirements are changing fast. SteelFab 2015 will be the region’s best one-stop shop for all the requirements of the fabrication industry,” added Mr. Midfa.

Moreover, keeping in mind the requirements of both exhibitors and visitors, SteelFab 2015 will focus on specific industry segments. While the show will continue with the three new segments -- Steel-Tech, Fabricators Pavilion and Steel Showcase – launched during the previous edition, the regular focus areas like Welding & Cutting, Material Handling, Machine Tools and Pipe & Tube Machinery are sure to remain popular within the regional industry.

SteelFab is also known for its strong participation by leading manufacturers and dealers from foreign countries, with Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey and China and other countries either having special pavilions or facilitating participation of exhibitors from their respective countries during the previous edition.

The show has already secured the support of Ucimu Sistemi Per Produrre - The Association Of Italian Manufacturers of Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems and Ancillary Products; the official German pavilion, the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI); and the UAE Contractors Association.

“Foreign participation in SteelFab has been increasing with every passing year, and our partnership with several industry associations and government entities have ensured that visitors have access to the widest range of products from across the world to choose from,” added Mr. Midfa.

Besides, visitors can also take advantage of an extensive line-up of technical seminars and product presentations that will be held alongside the show.