Emsteel advances UAE’s industrial ambitions with bold decarbonisation and digitalisation partnerships at Make it in the Emirates 2026

EMSTEEL wrapped up its role as a sector partner at Make it in the Emirates 2026, coming away with several announcements that really highlighted how UAE’s industrial policies are increasingly linked to decarbonisation, digitalisation, and strengthening local supply chains.

The steel and building materials giant, based in Abu Dhabi, mentioned that in 2025, it directed AED 3.5 billion, or roughly 46% of its procurement spend, to local suppliers. That’s quite a notable figure, especially in a market where officials are encouraging companies to deepen their in-country value, creating more resilient industrial networks. It aligns well with the broader national push to boost advanced manufacturing and cut down reliance on imported inputs.

Over the four days at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, EMSTEEL drew steady traffic to its booth, where it showcased everything from production methods and sustainability efforts to newer industrial technologies. The company pointed out that the level of interest reflected a broad curiosity about how big manufacturers can support Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s wider economic diversification plans.

Their presence at the event wasn’t just about displaying products. They also received the Quality and Compliance Award from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which recognized their excellence in quality systems, regulatory adherence, sustainability, and ongoing improvement. EMSTEEL noted that this award underscores their commitment to maintaining high standards across their entire value chain.

More than that, EMSTEEL aims to be seen as more than just a supplier of commodity steel. Its own disclosures reveal that the company runs an integrated management system boasting over 90 international certifications and compliance with close to 200 global standards, plus 75 country-specific regulations. They’re a significant player in both local and overseas markets, spanning steel and cement production. For a group of this magnitude, keeping up with compliance and process control isn’t just about exports, it’s critical for their reputation at home, too.

What really stood out during the event, though, were the numerous partnership agreements announced. EMSTEEL said it signed six deals aimed at pushing advanced manufacturing and lowering-carbon steel production, providing some fresh detail on how the UAE is trying to link industrial growth with clean tech solutions.

One particularly interesting partnership was a memorandum of understanding with Gulf Cryo, a regional gas manufacturer and distributor, to explore carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) applications across EMSTEEL’s operations. Because greenhouse emissions from steel production are notoriously tough to eliminate quickly, carbon capture remains one of the few viable routes for meaningful decarbonisation in the short term. This collaboration suggests EMSTEEL isn’t just waiting for long-term goals, it’s testing practical solutions now.

They also teamed up with Zealogics, a company that specialises in AI-led digital transformation, to introduce platforms for real-time visibility, defect prediction, and process optimisation. EMSTEEL mentioned that the broader plan includes AI-supported energy efficiency and digital twin applications across production lines. In an industry where margins are tight and energy costs are high, these kinds of efficiency tools could really make a difference both in output and emissions.

Another deal was struck with Micropolis, a UAE-based firm focused on robotics, autonomous vehicles, and AI, to pilot zero-emission, autonomous transport systems. EMSTEEL explained that the goal is to replace diesel-powered vehicles on site. If the project succeeds, it could cut emissions locally, boost safety, and lower operational costs, especially in large industrial areas where managing logistics is complex.

They also signed a non-binding agreement with AD Ports Group to explore integrated logistics and intermodal transport, a move that makes a lot of sense given the country’s ongoing development of its logistics infrastructure. The review covers inland logistics connected by rail, port connectivity, and overall supply chain optimisation. Given how the UAE is steadily expanding its logistics capabilities, the relationship between heavy industry and transport infrastructure is becoming more strategic. The two companies also agreed to set up the UAE’s first Shipbuilders Consortium, led by AD Ports Group, to bolster domestic shipbuilding and support local supply of marine-grade steel.

All these partnerships fit well with the role the UAE intends for its industrial champions. Make it in the Emirates is essentially about showcasing local manufacturing, boosting procurement from domestic vendors, and attracting industrial investments. For EMSTEEL, this event was an opportunity to demonstrate how their own expansion plans are tightly aligned with those national objectives.

Group CEO Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi explained that participating in such activities reflects their commitment to strengthening the UAE’s industrial ecosystem and supporting long-term growth. He also added that the agreements announced symbolize a step toward more sustainable manufacturing and a more resilient industrial base.

Positioning itself at the crossroads of several policy priorities, industrial self-sufficiency, low-carbon production, advanced manufacturing, and enhanced logistics, EMSTEEL’s significance isn’t just about its own operations. The company claims to be the UAE’s top steel and building materials producer, running 14 plants with a yearly capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of steel and 4.6 million tonnes of cement.

This scale gives EMSTEEL influence well beyond just its bottom line. Its procurement choices impact local suppliers, its technological decisions shape industry standards, and its partnerships have the potential to accelerate the deployment of innovations like AI systems and carbon capture across the UAE’s manufacturing landscape.

For both Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, that means EMSTEEL’s latest announcements are far from just symbolic for a single event. They point to an industrial growth model built around local value, cleaner production practices, and closer ties between heavy industry and the country’s development goals.