The UAE has produced 2.1 million tonnes of crude steel in the first 11 months of 2014, making it the region's third largest producer, recent figures released by the World Steel Association have revealed.
This was highlighted on the third day of the Metal Middle East, Tube Arabia, and Arabia Essen Welding and Cutting (AEWC), the region's trio of exhibitions for metal, pipes and welding industries. The exhibitions generated multi-million dollar deals in sale of machineries on the third day, with even higher expectations for the concluding day.
Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, co-organisers of the three mega shows along with the two German giants Messe Düsseldorf and Messe Essen, said: "We are not surprised with the response in three days. Tubes and metal industries are witnessing accelerated growth, driven by several factors, especially expansion and development of oil and gas operations, infrastructure projects, urban areas and populations.”
"This usually brings benefit to all the allied sectors,” Khanna added.
"We have huge expectations for the concluding day, as trade visitors are thronging the venue until the final hours. The UAE is witnessing a rapid population growth and urbanisation, along with the expansion of energy-intensive industries. These products form the arteries of societies, transporting water, sewage, gas and crude oil, without which life as we know it would be unsustainable.”
Jeen Joshua, exhibition group manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, said: "Today, steel is one of the most common materials in the world. We rely on it for our housing, transport, food and water supply, energy production, tools and healthcare. Nearly everything around us is either made of steel or manufactured by equipment made of steel.”
He added: "According to an estimate, for every newborn baby there is a need for two metres of new pipeline, which is an indicator of the growth potential for these key sectors. We are extremely delighted with the footfall so far for our exhibitions. It is quite unique to have such related shows into one platform, which ensures a larger number of exhibitors coming into Dubai at one time and offer a wider choice to buyers.”
Source: Khaleej Times