Harsha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Steel Oman, affirmed that the Middle East continues to witness exceptionally strong demand for steel products throughout this year and the next, noting that industry players in the region are currently operating in “the right place at the right time.”
Shetty revealed an ambitious plan to establish a new steel plant in Duqm, Oman, with a production capacity of 5 million tons, dedicated to manufacturing low-carbon steel as part of the company’s shift toward green industries.
In an interview with Erem Business on the sidelines of the Middle East Iron and Steel Conference in Dubai, Shetty explained that Jindal Steel Oman currently produces 3.3 million tons of steel and operates a fully integrated direct-reduction unit starting from the mine to the finished product. The company’s facilities include a pellet plant with a capacity of 6 million tons, a direct-reduction plant with a capacity of 2 million tons, and an existing steel plant with a capacity of 3.3 million tons.
He noted that the company recently launched three innovative products for the construction sector, including JS600, a high-strength, lightweight steel grade that helps reduce steel consumption, enhances project sustainability, and increases the Floor Space Index (FSI). The company also introduced Jindal CRS, a corrosion-resistant steel produced by adding chromium and copper to extend asset life.
Shetty added that Gulf countries—where around 70% of infrastructure is located within 0 to 40 kilometers of the coastline—require highly durable steel to withstand the region’s harsh, corrosive marine environment, which demands enhanced protection for rebar.
He emphasized that performance tests have demonstrated a significant reduction in corrosion rates when using Jindal Steel products, adding that the company is also developing low-carbon steel solutions to support sustainability goals across the region.
