The steel industry in the United Arab Emirates continues to record sustainable growth in 2025, supported by strong demand from the construction sector, as well as from manufacturing activities and major projects in housing and infrastructure.
Industrial data shows that the country’s crude steel production reached 3.25 million tons in 2024, while the output of finished steel products amounted to 2.835 million tons, with a notable focus on rebar, which totaled around 1.77 million tons, according to figures from Emirates Steel—the largest domestic steel producer—reported by Al Khaleej newspaper. These figures highlight the sector’s capability to meet a significant portion of local demand, noting that the data reflects the company’s production only and not the entire national market.
This growth is driven by rising investments in housing developments, smart cities, and renewable energy projects, with cumulative investments in the sector exceeding AED 20 billion by the end of 2025. These investments include expanding rolling lines, upgrading furnaces, and adopting advanced digital monitoring and control technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Forecasts indicate that the UAE steel sector will continue to grow at an annual rate of 4% to 6% through 2030, supported by government-led projects, private-sector urban development initiatives, and the increasing adoption of modern technologies that reduce costs and improve product quality.
Indicators also point to the expansion of national steel plants and their ability to meet rising domestic demand, while exporting surplus production to GCC and East African markets. This reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading regional hub for the steel industry, built on substantial investments, advanced technologies, and international partnerships.
Moreover, there is growing emphasis on producing low-carbon and recycled steel to support the country’s goals in circular economy development and sustainable industrial transformation.
