SteelFab, the region's leading trade show for metal-working, metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, ended on a successful note last month at the Expo Centre Sharjah, featuring more than 400 brands and 200 companies from 33 countries across the globe.

The four-day event witnessed leading firms displaying their latest global products, solutions and technologies in the steel industry.

It coincided with the Fasteners World Middle East exhibition, a dedicated event for industrial fasteners, assembly systems, bolts, connection and fastening systems and technologies.

The expo put the limelight on sophisticated exhibits and provided a unique experience for industry professionals and individuals interested in utilising artificial intelligence (AI) in the industrial and transformative sectors, said the event organiser.  On show were cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art machines, equipment, computerised cutting systems, energy sources used in cutting and welding machines, consumer products, accessories, electronic-beam welding devices, handling equipment, low-cost laser cutting systems, steel-making machines and AI-controlled robots.

SteelFab 2023 featured premier companies that use AI in the bending and cutting of iron and steel utilising smart robots.  These companies conducted live demonstrations of their cutting-edge robotic arms in steel cutting and soldering.

According to Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, the CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, the expo plays a vital role in promoting the iron and steel industry in Sharjah and supporting the goals of the '300 billion project' that aims to develop and stimulate the industrial sector in the UAE and increase its GDP share to AED300 billion ($82 billion) by 2031.

A key highlight of the event was the Steel Industry conference, which brought together some high-profile experts and top global manufacturers and suppliers. The conference looked into the primary growth opportunities for the iron and steel industry and explored the Middle East region's role in driving this industry's development.

The conference featured 11 seminars and dialogue sessions that delved into the current state and future prospects of the iron and steel industry, as well as strategies for increasing its sustainability.

The event was also witness to presentations by global industry giants from far and wide including the UK, China, Italy, India, Germany and Turkey. These covered the future of the steel industry, sustainability, changes in the steel forming and fabrication industry, and the latest developments at the global level.

The exhibition also hosted the Best Welder competition.