SteelFab, the region’s premier trade fair for the metal working industry, is set to welcome a slice of German excellence in technology, engineering and innovation to the region, as the upcoming 14th SteelFab 2018 will see the launch of a pavilion featuring Essen Welding and Cutting, which will enhance business relationships between the UAE and Germany.

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

The agreement was signed by Expo Centre Sharjah CEO, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, along with P. Ravi, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Oliver P. Kuhrt, Messe Essen CEO.

A team from the Expo Centre, led by Mr. Al Midfa and including P. Ravi, Naveen Fernandes, Group Project Manager B2B and Alroy Nester Lobo, Exhibition Manager, is currently attending Schweissen and Schneiden 2017, being held in Dusseldorf from September 25th to 29th, 2017.

"Germany always had a big presence at SteelFab. Now, following the tie-up with Messe Essen 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 D?sseldorf for Schweissen and Schneiden, which is held every four years. Representing 40 nations, 1,000 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 Mr. 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 US$15.5 billion in 2015, and US$10.9 billion in the first nine months of 2016, according to figures by the UAE Ministry of Economy. In 2015, the UAE attracted US$2.8 billion in foreign direct investment from Germany.

The 14th SteelFab 2018 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 15th-18th, featuring special segments such as Stainless Steel, Wear Resistant, Welding and Cutting, Machine Tools and Pipe and Tube Machinery, and the concurrent vertical show, 'Fasteners World Middle East'.