Sponsored by Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE and a subsidiary of the General Holding Corporation (SENAAT), and organized by the World Steel Association (worldsteel), the constructsteel conference 2019 has taken place today in Dubai, the first time the conference has been held in the Middle East.
Experts attending the conference included: His Excellency Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Energy and Industry UAE; Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel; Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association (worldsteel); and representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations.
Held under the theme of ‘The Future of Steel Construction 2030’, conference attendees discussed the future of market segments, disruptors in the construction industry, as well as the steel and construction industries’ continued potential to power sustainable development, long-term economic diversification and innovation in smart technology.
Addressing the conference, H.E. Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Energy and Industry UAE, said: “The steel and construction industries in the UAE have matured since their foundation decades ago, as is evident by the incredible projects and mega-structures completed across the nation. This maturation presents a host of new opportunities for both sectors. These include increasing international exports, enhancing sustainable manufacturing and construction, and developing innovative smart technologies that will positively impact the steel and construction sectors.”
“Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, regional investments in hospitality, healthcare, education and infrastructure are likely to continue on an ever-growing scale. Steel and construction industries are well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity to continue contributing to the region’s long-term economic prosperity and diversification. By investing in sustainable practices and innovative smart technology, the steel and construction industries will be able to maintain their historic momentum by offering unique products, services and solutions that will enable sustainable construction and the development of smart cities,” added H.E. Dr. Al Neyadi.
Speaking during his keynote speech, Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel said: “Strong global population growth, increasing urbanization and the continued development of megacities will continue to support the future growth of the steel and construction industries, despite pockets of declining demand currently being witnessed within certain markets.”
“Looking to the future and the ongoing global decarbonization effort, the steel and construction industries will play a critical role in enabling the emissions reductions outlined in the Paris Agreement. As an industry, we have a great opportunity to work hand-in-hand with governments and international organizations to share best practices, enhance sustainability and develop cutting-edge smart technologies that will, for example, facilitate the construction of Zero Energy Buildings. This will allow the steel and construction industries to remain at the forefront of global economic growth for decades to come,” added Eng. Al Remeithi.
The conference was also addressed by Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association (worldsteel), who discussed the current state and future of the steel industry, as well as worldsteel’s role in facilitating advancements in sustainability and innovation through a wide range of initiatives.
Emirates Steel is the main sponsor of the constructsteel conference 2019, and its participation in, and sponsorship of the event is the result of its dedication to developing the entire sector, with a particular emphasis on the future of the Middle Eastern steel industry. Emirates Steel’s involvement also comes within the context of Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi’s Chairmanship of the worldsteel Economics Committee.
The constructsteel conference, organized by the worldsteel organization, is an annual event, designed to allow global steel construction professionals to meet, network and discuss the future of the industry. It has previously taken place in London and Dusseldorf.
