Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel Conference Gathers Leaders in Dubai Amidst Market Growth
Industry leaders from the steel sector are convening in Dubai this November for the Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel (MEIS) conference, as the region's steel market is projected to grow from $44 billion in 2026 to $6
Dubai is set to host the Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel (MEIS) 2026 conference this November, bringing together global industry leaders to discuss the region's expanding role in the steel market.
The Middle East steel market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from $44 billion in 2026 to $60 billion by 2031. This growth is largely underpinned by nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure and industrial projects across the region.
Key Industry Insights
According to analysis by Fastmarkets, crude steel output in the GCC reached 21.6 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 9.5% year-over-year increase. Electric arc furnaces (EAFs) account for approximately 95% of the region's crude steel production, positioning the Middle East strongly in the global shift towards lower-carbon steelmaking.
Prominent figures scheduled to attend include Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL (the regional host sponsor), along with CEOs from major companies such as Ezz Steel, Al Ittefaq Steel Products, Al Sharif Metals Group & BMR, UNICOIL, and GravitHY.
Conference Focus
The MEIS 2026 conference will address key factors shaping regional steel markets, including substantial infrastructure and industrial developments, steel demand dynamics, trade flows, tariffs, carbon regulations, and the security of raw material supply for items like scrap, DR-grade iron ore, pellets, DRI, and HBI.
"The Middle East combines significant investment, growing demand, ambitious industrial development and a strong position in lower-carbon steelmaking," stated Raju Daswani, CEO of Fastmarkets.
The event aims to facilitate relationship-building, identify commercial opportunities, and offer insights into the future trajectory of the market. The conference will take place from November 16-18 at Madinat [Jumeirah](/areas/jumeirah), Dubai.
Questions, answered
- What are the growth projections for the Middle East steel market?
- The Middle East steel market is forecast to grow from $44 billion in 2026 to $60 billion by 2031, supported by nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure and industrial projects.
- When and where is the Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel (MEIS) conference taking place?
- The MEIS 2026 conference will be held from November 16-18 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
- What is the current crude steel output in the GCC?
- According to Fastmarkets analysis, GCC crude steel output reached 21.6 million tonnes in 2025, representing a 9.5% year-over-year increase.
- How does the Middle East contribute to lower-carbon steelmaking?
- Electric arc furnaces account for approximately 95% of regional crude steel production, which positions the Middle East favorably in the global transition to lower-carbon steel manufacturing processes.
- Who are some of the key attendees at the MEIS conference?
- Senior industry figures attending include Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi (EMSTEEL Group CEO), Ahmed Ezz (Ezz Steel CEO), Sharjeel Azhar (Al Ittefaq Steel Products CEO), Dr Salam Al Sharif (Al Sharif Metals Group & BMR Chairman), Sanjay Roychoudhury (UNICOIL CEO), and Jose Noldin (GravitHY CEO).
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.