SteelFab, the region’s premier trade fair for metal working industry, is set to bring a big slice of German excellence in technology, engineering and innovation to the region.

The upcoming 14th SteelFab 2018 will see the launch of a pavilion -- Essen Welding & Cutting Pavilion – which will go a long way in establishing and enhancing business relationships between the UAE and Germany.

The Essen Welding & Cutting Pavilion is the offshoot of tie-up between Expo Centre Sharjah and Messe Essen, organiser of global Schweissen & Schneiden fair, one of Europe’s largest gatherings of welding, cutting, and finishing industry professionals from around the world.

The agreement was signed by CEO, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Expo Centre Sharjah along with Mr P. Ravi, Director – Sales & Marketing. From Messe Essen’s side, Mr Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO, signed the deal. The Expo Centre team led by Mr. Midfa and accompanied by P.Ravi, Director Sales and Marketing, Naveen Fernandes, Group Project Manager B to B and  Alroy Nester Lobo , Exhibition Manager is currently attending the Schweissen & Schneiden 2017 which is being held in Dusseldorf from September 25 to 29, 2017.

“Germany always had a big presence at SteelFab. Now, following the tie-up with Essen Messe GmbH, we will be able to attract bigger names in the industry not only from Germany but also from across Europe. SteelFab will also help them identify opportunities in a high-growth region like the Middle East and North Africa and in the process boost bilateral trade and relations in a big way,” said H.E. Al Midfa.

He added that European machinery makers and suppliers can also take advantage of the current emphasis on the manufacturing sector by regional governments to diversify their economies.

More than 55 000 attendees from 130 countries are expected to converge on Düsseldorf for Schweissen & Schneiden, which is held every four years. Representing 40 nations, 1 000 exhibitors are presenting the latest developments and innovations in welding and cutting technology, hand tools, safety gear, consumables, and other equipment.

"We are pleased to make it possible for our exhibitors to use another springboard into an important market with this new event,” said Mr. Oliver P. Kuhrt. “The collaboration with a strong partner like Expo Centre Sharjah will be a great advantage for German machinery makers and suppliers.”

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany stood at more than US$15.5 billion in 2015, and US$10.9 billion in the first nine months of 2016, according to figures by the UAE Ministry of Economy. In 2015, the UAE attracted US$2.8 billion in foreign direct investment from Germany.

The 14th SteelFab 2018 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 15-18, featuring special segments such as Stainless Steel, Wear Resistant, Welding & Cutting, Machine Tools and Pipe & Tube Machinery, and concurrent vertical Fasteners World Middle East.