SteelFab 2018 was inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations. The trade show is witnessing the participation of more than 1000 brands from 28 countries from around the world. SteelFab is in its 14thedition and will continue until the 18th of January.

The inauguration of SteelFab 2018 was attended by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, and a number of Board members of the chamber. The trade show was also attended byHE Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, a number of government officials and representatives from the industry sector in the country, and a number of businessmen and industrial investors.
 
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, accompanied by the Chairman of the SCCI and a number of dignitaries and officials, toured the trade show, which is the largest trade event held for the Middle East's metal and steel industry. The trade showis organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the SCCI, and covers an area of ​​24 thousand square meters.
 
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi praised the success of Expo Centre Sharjah in attracting the remarkable number of brands and leading international companies from the metaland steel industry that are participating in SteelFab 2018. He added that this success reflects Sharjah's position as an important center within the global exhibition industry, as well as the importance of the trade show as a growing international and regional event for the world's leading manufacturers.
 
Accelerating the economy
 
HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, stressed the prominence of Expo Centre Sharjah as one of the strategic institutions operating under the umbrella of SCCIthat enhance Sharjah's reputation as a global and regional center for industrial, commercial and cultural exhibitions. This is due to the conviction of the importance of the exhibitions and conferences industry and its positive impact in accelerating the economy towards achieving sustainable growth according to the vision of the wise leadership.
 
Al Owais pointed out that Expo Centre Sharjah seeks to strengthen its international relations network, within the framework of its new strategic plan for 2018-2022, in order to attract a number of the world's leading exhibitions, manufacturers, suppliers, and associations to participate in its various annual events. He stated that this plan is reflected in the success of SteelFab in attracting the global Essen Welding & Cutting Pavilion, which is one of the most important exhibitions of its kind in the world, to participate in this edition, which falls within the framework of cooperation and successful partnership between Expo Centre Sharjah and German Messe Essen exhibition centre.He added that this event and other similar events organized by Expo Centre Sharjah support the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah in its quest for economic diversification and works to enhance the contribution of the non-oil sectors by up to 80% by 2021, in line with the economic vision of the country, which is achievedthrough intensive investment in the industrial sector as well as other vital sectors.

Growing Demand

Saif Mohamed Al Midfa stated that SteelFab is once again proving to be one of the most important events in the region, and one that is attracting the most important industry giants and brands from around the world to enhance their presence in the markets in GCC and the Middle East. He also added that the trade show has become a distinguished trading platform that allows the interaction between experts, manufacturers and professionals from all over the world, and an avenue where they identify the latest production lines and equipment for the manufacture of steel and metals, in addition to building partnerships and labor relations.

Saif Mohamed Al Midfa stated that the number of exhibitors at SteelFab 2018 has increased which reflects the growing demand for advanced equipment to help execute the oil and gas projects, infrastructure and benefits awaiting the region, with Expo 2020 being a prominent example.He pointed out that Expo Centre Sharjah is keen to provide everything needed to ensure the success of this edition, which is expected to attract 10,000 visitors from more than 80 countries