The 12th SteelFab 2016 got underway at Expo Centre Sharjah on Jan. 17. The four-day exhibition, which ends on Jan. 20, was inaugurated by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al-Qassimi, chairman of Sharjah Sea Ports and Customs, in the presence of Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah and other officials and dignitaries.

“The UAE is the least affected by low oil prices, thanks to our diversification policies and increased reliance on the nonoil sector. In fact, the nonoil sector now contributes nearly 69 percent of our GDP. This has had a direct and positive bearing on the steel fabrication sector, which is now an essential cog in the wheel of our economic growth,” said Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

The 12th SteelFab 2016 is showcasing more than 370 exhibitors representing nearly 1,000 brands from 43 countries at all the six halls of Expo Centre Sharjah, besides new special focus areas, special pavilions, live displays, technical seminars and product presentations. The past edition of the show had featured 350 exhibitors and attracted 10,324 trade visitors, a 15 percent rise, from 83 countries.

The opening ceremony also saw the launch of a new vertical — Fasteners World Middle East — besides the introduction of two special focus areas – stainless steel and wear resistant and hard facing cladding. “With the addition of Fasteners World ME and the new special focus areas, the SteelFab is now the largest and most comprehensive industrial event of its kind in the entire region,” added Al-Midfa.

Foreign pavilions at the show Germany (23) and Taiwan (22), apart from strong presence of manufacturers from Italy, Turkey, China and India.

The technical seminars will look into topics such as lean manufacturing solutions, application of PFP materials, advance processing technologies, reverse engineering and software applications, among others.