Steelfab, the region’s premier trade fair for metal working industry, is set to bring a big slice of German excellence in technology, engineering and innovation to the region.

The upcoming 14th SteelFab 2018 will see the launch of a pavilion – Essen Welding & Cutting Pavilion – which will go a long way in establishing and enhancing business relationships between the UAE and Germany.

The Essen Welding & Cutting Pavilion is the offshoot of tie-up between Expo Centre Sharjah and Messe Essen, organiser of global Schweissen & Schneiden fair, one of Europe’s largest gatherings of welding, cutting and finishing industry professionals from around the world.

The agreement was signed by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah and Oliver P Kuhrt, CEO, Messe Essen. The Expo Centre team was led by Al Midfa and accompanied by P Ravi, director Sales and Marketing, Naveen Fernandes, Group Project Manager B2B and Alroy Nester Lobo, Exhibition Manager. The team is currently attending the Schweissen & Schneiden 2017 which is being held in Dusseldorf.

“Germany always had a big presence at SteelFab. Now, following the tie-up with Essen Messe GmbH, we will be able to attract bigger names in the industry not only from Germany but also from across the Europe. SteelFab will also help them identify opportunities in a high-growth region like the Middle East and North Africa and in the process to boost bilateral trade and relations in a big way,” said Al Midfa.

He added that European machinery makers and suppliers can also take advantage of the current emphasis on the manufacturing sector by regional governments to diversify their economies.

More than 55,000 attendees from 130 countries are expected to converge on Düsseldorf for Schweissen & Schneiden, which is held every four years. Representing 40 nations, 1000 exhibitors are presenting the latest developments and innovations in welding and cutting technology, hand tools, safety gear, consumables, and other equipment.

“We are pleased to make it possible for our exhibitors to use another springboard into an important market with this new event,” said Oliver P Kuhrt. “The collaboration with a strong partner like Expo Centre Sharjah will be a great advantage for German machinery makers and suppliers”, he added.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany stood at more than $15.5 billion in 2015, and $10.9 billion in the first nine months of 2016, according to figures by the UAE Ministry of Economy. In 2015, the UAE attracted $2.8 billion in foreign direct investment from Germany.

The 14th SteelFab 2018 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 15 to 18.