Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE and a subsidiary of the General Holding Corporation (Senaat), was awarded the ‘Best Exporter Award’ by the Arab Iron and Steel Union (AISU) during the 14th Arab Steel Summit, held recently in Tunisia.

Juma Nasser Al Mansouri, VP (Sales) for rebar and wire rod, received the award on behalf of the company in the presence of top industry experts and leading companies in iron and steel sector.

Emirates Steel was ranked third amongst steel producers in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) market for exporting its products to customers overseas, thus cementing its position as a leading regional steel manufacturer with an appealing range of products including rebar, wire rod, sections and sheet piles, services and solutions tailored for numerous sectors.

It had exported almost 650,000 tonnes of steel to more than 40 countries in 2018, with the notable markets including Mena region, Europe, North America, South and East Asia and Australia.

The total value of the company’s exports in 2018 surged to Dh1.4 billion ($381 million).

On the win, CEO Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said: “We are delighted to receive this award from the AISU, which recognises the success of our efforts to export our high quality steel products, manufactured in Abu Dhabi, with international customers in markets around the world.”

“At a time of heightened protectionism in the global steel sector, producers from the Mena region have not been immune to the increasing difficulty of exporting products internationally. We are grateful for the continuous support of our nation’s visionary leadership, the government of the UAE and the wider regional iron and steel community,” remarked Al Remeithi.

“Our efforts and export activity are in line with Abu Dhabi Plan and UAE Centennial 2071, which both call for increased economic diversification and engagement with international markets,” said the top official.

At the summit, Emirate Steel was also recognised as the third largest steel producer in the Arab world, with a total production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes, he added.