Sharjah: Expo Centre Sharjah officials discussed opportunities for strategic cooperation with Germany's Messe Essen during the 21st edition of the SteelFab metalworking exhibition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussions were held in a meeting between Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, and Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. The German delegation was participating in the SteelFab 2026 exhibition to explore ways to enhance collaboration between SteelFab and the Essen Cutting and Welding Fair.
The dialogue centered on developing specialized international platforms aimed at driving growth and innovation in industrial exhibitions, thereby strengthening their role in serving the steel and metalworking sectors. This aligns with the rapid changes and evolving dynamics shaping the industry at both regional and global levels.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa emphasized the potential avenues for collaboration with the Essen Cutting and Welding Fair to advance the metalworking sector. He highlighted SteelFab's role as a strategic platform fostering industry development and supply chain integration. Al Midfa stated that the partnership with leading German industry players enhances SteelFab's value proposition, drives industrial innovation, and attracts foreign investment. This collaboration broadens Expo Centre Sharjah's international partnerships and provides global companies with an effective platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies and products, thereby boosting the competitiveness of the UAE's steel and metalworking sector.
Oliver P. Kuhrt applauded SteelFab's leading position as the most important trade show for metal and steel processing in the Middle East and North Africa. He recognized SteelFab as a strategic partner to Messe Essen's Cutting and Welding Fair, noting that the exhibition's strong performance and success reflect both economic dynamism and international confidence in Expo Centre Sharjah. Kuhrt also emphasized plans to leverage combined expertise to develop smart solutions that empower steel manufacturers and facilitate the transition to automation and AI technologies.
The SteelFab 2026 exhibition, organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), runs until January 15. It brings together more than 600 local and global brands, alongside 350 exhibitors from 35 countries, to showcase the latest innovations in the steel and metalworking industry.