01 November 2016

The recent announcements of new projects signal a steady flow of investments into sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, which is in turn set to generate contracts for regional steel fabricators, said experts ahead of a trade event for the steel fabrication and metal working industry.

The 13th edition of SteelFab will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah in the UAE from January 16 to 19, 2017 and is once again set to become the gathering point for fabrication units from across the region and beyond, said the organiser.

Some of the recent projects that will keep the order books of regional fabricators busy include the $3 billion worth of contracts for the construction of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant, the $10-million contract to manage engineering, procurement and construction of the new gas and condensate pipeline of Kuwait Gulf Oil, and the $135-million contract to build a stadium for Qatar’s 2022 Fifa World Cup, they stated.

“Several new projects have been announced recently in infrastructure, pipelines, airports and industrial sector. With economic diversification becoming the crux of development strategy, the UAE and the rest of the region are also focusing on the non-oil sector to contribute to economic growth,” said Abdalla bin Sultan Al Owais, the chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The immediate beneficiary here is the core sector that propels the steel fabrication and metal working industry,” he  stated.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, the chief executive of Expo Centre Sharjah, said the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors were looking positively at the recovery of oil prices. “They are also expecting investments from upcoming mega events like Expo 2020 and Fifa World Cup 2022, preparations for which have gathered pace,” he noted.

The GCC is pumping in $100 billion into airport expansion and construction projects. The $116-million Almarkaz light industrial real estate project, the second phase of Khalifa Industrial Zone Logistics Park and opening of Renault Trucks in Saudi Arabia also signifies continued work for steel contracting in the region, he stated.

“Steel fabricators can be assured of a steady rise in requirements from different sectors, and SteelFab will help them explore and acquire cutting-edge equipment, advanced technologies, new products and applications for all their metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing needs,” he added.

Providing a comprehensive sourcing platform, SteelFab 2017 will feature a vertical Fasteners World Middle East and special focus areas such as Welding & Cutting, Metal Cutting & Machine Tools, Tube & Pipe, Stainless Steel, and Wear Resistance & Hard Facing.  It will include national pavilions, seminars and technical presentations and live displays, while showcasing machinery and equipment in metal forming, surface preparation and finishing, grinding and cutting, machining and other allied engineering disciplines, he concluded.

• Reynaers makes its mark at inaugural WDF
• Gulf Property Show set to create new records
• Kuwait’s projects market in focus
• Update
• New projects boon for steel fabricators
• Spotlight on smart skyscrapers

Tags

Hotels & Palaces The Big 5 Special Northern Emirates Paints & Coatings Crushers & Screens Demolition Legally Bound Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Diary of events Contractors Real Estate Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.