In the backdrop of the accelerated energy transition to achieve the Net Zero goal by 2050 as well as the exponential growth in infrastructure development and construction activities in the UAE, the minerals and metals industry is estimated to grow at a rate of over 3 per cent, touching an estimated value of nearly US$10 billion by 2025.

At a press conference to announce participation of companies from the UAE and the region at the upcoming trade fair quartet, `The Bright World of Metals’ expos in Dusseldorf, Germany – GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST – spokespersons said the severe disruptions the industry experienced during the Covid pandemic period with sharp fall in volumes and growth rates is being reversed now.

“From a period when production volumes were in negative to the current growth phase and the future prospects, the industry is on a turnaround with demand continuing to pick up from a host of economic sectors including construction and building materials, infrastructure etc. The Metallurgical and Foundry industries form the backbone of development in any economy, and the UAE with the fast-paced economic expansion will open diverse opportunities for the industry to grow,” said Friedrich-Georg Kehrer, Global Portfolio Director, Messe Dusseldorf.

The three key companies participating at the expo include Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), which is the world’s largest premium aluminium producer and the biggest industrial company in the UAE outside the oil and gas sector. Other companies are Ducast, Middle East’s leading manufacturer and supplier of manhole covers, gratings and municipal castings, and steel products’ trading company Wirex FZE.