United Arab Emirates has established an association representing national steelmakers’ interests. The National Steel Producers’ Committee (SPC) was approved in 2020 by the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, under the Federation’s law article no. 22/2000.

In September, Emirates Steel (ESI) chief executive Saeed Al Remeithi became deputy treasurer to the board of directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (see Kallanish passim).

Speaking at SPC’s introductory press conference, Remeithi, who has been appointed SPC chairman, and is now also ceo of Arkan since the firm merged with ESI, said: “The UAE Steel Producers Committee has a vital role to play in the multi-billion-dollar industry. “The SPC has been set up to be an independent NGO that provides industry representation with the purpose of not only protecting steel producers and service providers across the UAE, but also to contribute to Operation 300 billion, the UAE’s industrial strategy and UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”

“In addition, the committee addresses the reality of challenges faced by the industry while strengthening working relationships with government, the private sector and joint ventures for the overall interest of the steel industry,” he added.

The committee, made up of 15 industry leaders, will coordinate with government sectors to promote the country’s image, with initiatives such as “Made in UAE”, but will not undermine open market regulations.

SPC will not enforce any rules or regulations or stop imports in the scope of fair competition principals, and aims to reach a “win-win” situation between imported and locally made steel products, the association observes.

The committee will also provide the necessary training and learning experience for UAE nationals to forge a career in the steel industry.

Within the SPC there are sub-committees dedicated to steel manufacturing processes, including pipes and tubes, coated steel coils, reinforced steel bars, wire rod steel coils, raw materials, and steel sections.

A sector participant tells Kallanish: “Their [SPC] main challenge is raw materials, since none of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries have iron ore reserves or sufficient scrap. It’s highly likely SPC will be focusing on solving this issue.”