SteelFab 2026 - Metalworking Industry Fair in the United Arab Emirates

Scheduled for January 12-15 at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), SteelFab 2026 is the premier trade event for the metalworking industry in the UAE and the broader Middle East. Positioned as a transformative force amid the UAE government's industrial digitization policies, the event plays a crucial role in facilitating the digital evolution of the regional metalworking sector. With a focus on enhancing digital capabilities, it aids local players in gaining a competitive edge within a dynamic market. Key governmental initiatives, such as the UAE's program for 1,000 technological projects and the industrial census project, underline a commitment to fostering innovation, research and development, and strengthening local supply chains.

Industry sectors and areas

Special focus segments encompass surface preparation and finishing, steel machinery, welding & cutting, pipe construction equipment, and ancillaries. Key industries covered include steel forming & sheet metal machinery, metal cutting machinery, CNC cutting systems, surface preparation, blasting, finishing, welding & cutting, robotics, pipe & tube, among others. SteelFab consistently aligns itself with industry needs, with AI & Robotics being a recent addition to its core focus areas.

Past edition highlights

The 2025 edition of SteelFab concluded as the largest live showcase for welding, cutting, machinery, and equipment in the Middle East. The event featured over 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, showcasing more than 600 brands. It attracted over 7,000 trade visitors from 65 countries, reflecting a 10% increase over the previous edition.

About SteelFab organizers

Expo Centre Sharjah, the organizer of SteelFab, is one of the UAE's prominent exhibition venues, hosting a variety of large-scale events across industries such as manufacturing, trade, and technology. Founded in 1977, Expo Centre Sharjah serves as a strategic platform connecting businesses and fostering economic growth in the region. Known for its well-managed exhibitions, it supports networking, trade expansion, and knowledge sharing, particularly within the Middle East and North Africa.