The 28th Middle East Iron & Steel 2025 conference opened with industry leaders spotlighting the region’s rising influence amid global oversupply, trade tensions, and the push for low-carbon production.
Executives from MENA, Europe, and Asia explored how shifting geopolitics and market dynamics are redefining the future of steel.
Speakers highlighted the Middle East’s growing industrial scale, anchored by a USD 3 trillion project pipeline, as a key driver of global competitiveness. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Rumeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said resilience and strategic foresight are crucial as the UAE strengthens supply chains, accelerates decarbonization, and deepens regional partnerships.
Trade volatility emerged as a pressing concern. Raju Daswani, CEO of Fastmarkets, noted that rising tariffs and quotas, such as the US Section 232 measures, are causing sharp price fluctuations, reshaping global steel flows. Regional producers, however, are benefiting from predictable demand in construction, logistics, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Executives also warned of structural challenges. Sharjeel Azhar, CEO of Al-Ittefaq Steel, highlighted an oversupply of 500–600 million tonnes impacting trade patterns, while Rafic Daou of Suez Steel stressed the need for open markets with fair competition. Dilip George of Foulath Holding added that stable trade frameworks are essential for investor confidence.
Decarbonization and green steel technology dominated discussions on the industry’s long-term trajectory. Hydrogen-based DRI, renewable-powered smelting, circular manufacturing, and carbon capture were identified as critical for competitive advantage. Speakers emphasized that the Middle East’s energy resources and industrial capacity position it to scale these technologies faster than other regions.
With over 1,400 delegates from 55 countries, this year’s MEIS conference reinforced the region’s role as a pivotal hub for shaping global steel markets, investment strategies, and sustainable industry practices.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
