**Abu Dhabi**: EMSTEEL’s CEO, Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, outlines the company’s advancements in industrial innovation and sustainability within the steel sector. With targets to cut emissions by 40% by 2030 and pioneering green hydrogen initiatives, EMSTEEL aims to position the UAE as a leader in low-carbon solutions.
The UAE is making significant strides in industrial innovation and sustainability, particularly in the steel and building materials sector, driven by initiatives such as Operation 300bn. One of the key figures leading this transformation is Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, the group CEO of EMSTEEL. In a recent interview, Al Remeithi elaborated on how the company is utilising advanced technologies and sustainable practices to decarbonise operations and expand its reach on a global scale, reiterating Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a hub for low-carbon industrial innovation.
Al Remeithi highlighted the unique regulatory framework and supportive ecosystem in the UAE that promotes innovation, stating, “The UAE is a hub for innovation due to its forward-thinking regulatory framework and supportive ecosystem, which includes a commitment to sustainable development.” This environment enables EMSTEEL to develop innovations that not only address local challenges but also have the potential for global application.
According to the company, it holds a substantial position in the UAE’s manufacturing sector, contributing to 10% of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing activity output and commanding 60% of the UAE’s steel market share. EMSTEEL has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering Emiratisation efforts and driving the manufacturing sector’s future in line with the national strategy.
The company’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its impressive 127% growth in innovation and investment from 2020 to 2024, as it integrates advanced manufacturing techniques and digital technologies into its operations. EMSTEEL’s initiatives include AI-powered automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring, which have collectively improved operational efficiencies and reduced downtime.
As the steel and cement industries are significant contributors to global CO₂ emissions, EMSTEEL has set ambitious targets to combat this challenge. Al Remeithi explained that steel production accounts for 7-9% of direct emissions from fossil fuels while cement contributes another 7-8%. EMSTEEL aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2019 levels by 2030, ultimately striving for net-zero emissions by 2050.
To achieve these targets, EMSTEEL is implementing several innovative measures, including capitalising on carbon capture technologies and integrating green hydrogen into its production processes. As mentioned by Al Remeithi, “We are the first steelmaker in the world to capture a portion of our CO₂ emissions, which allows us to operate with a carbon intensity 45% lower than the global average.” Additionally, in partnership with Masdar, EMSTEEL has launched a pioneering pilot project using green hydrogen to extract iron from iron ore, marking the first of its kind in the MENA region.
The pilot project is capable of producing 368 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, facilitating the creation of green steel and potentially abating up to 3,680 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. This is seen as a critical step towards aligning with Abu Dhabi’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy, which seeks to position hydrogen as a vital clean energy source for the future.
Moreover, EMSTEEL is engaged in a strategic collaboration with developer Modon to utilise low-carbon steel in the UAE, highlighting a commitment to sustainability across sectors. The company is also conducting a feasibility study on its Low-Carbon Iron Supply Chain project, aimed at making Abu Dhabi a frontrunner in sustainable steel production.
Beyond emission reductions, EMSTEEL’s innovation strategy encompasses operational enhancements. The introduction of high-tensile steel is expected to cut overall consumption by 18-24%, fostering more sustainable construction practices. Additionally, the utilisation of AI in safety protocols has led to a notable decrease in workplace incidents.
To further its innovation agenda, EMSTEEL has announced the Asset Enhancement Programme, involving an investment of approximately Dhs625 million. Phase one focuses on modernising production capabilities, including the introduction of advanced high-strength rebars to satisfy growing market demands in sustainable construction.
As the GCC region faces increasing reliance on imports for various steel products, EMSTEEL is poised to position itself as a leader in the future of industrial innovation, encompassing sectors like infrastructure, energy, and automotive components. The integration of digital twins and predictive analytics is expected to optimise processes, reduce maintenance costs, and cut down waste.
By aligning their operations with both Emirati goals and international sustainability standards, EMSTEEL is demonstrating a commitment to advancing the steel and building materials sector in a way that prioritises innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/industry-science-and-technology/the-uae-industrial-strategy – This URL supports the information about Operation 300bn, which is a comprehensive industrial strategy aimed at developing the UAE’s industrial sector and enhancing its contribution to the GDP. It highlights the strategy’s focus on advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
- https://moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2021/05/23/mohammed-bin-rashid-launches-operation-300bn-to-advance-uae-industrial-sector – This URL corroborates the details of Operation 300bn, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, focusing on empowering the industrial sector through advanced technologies and promoting sustainable development.
- https://www.krestonmenon.com/uaes-fourth-industrial-revolution-operation-300-billion/ – This URL provides insights into the UAE’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Operation 300bn, emphasizing its role in driving industrial innovation and sustainable economic growth.
- https://masdar.ae/en/projects – This URL from Masdar highlights their projects and initiatives, including collaborations like the one with EMSTEEL on green hydrogen, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s clean energy goals.
- https://www.modon.ae/en/ – This URL from Modon showcases their involvement in strategic collaborations aimed at promoting low-carbon practices, such as the partnership with EMSTEEL for using low-carbon steel.
- https://www.adnoc.ae/who-we-are/low-carbon-hydrogen – This URL provides information on Abu Dhabi’s commitment to low-carbon hydrogen as a clean energy source, aligning with EMSTEEL’s efforts in this area.
- https://gulfbusiness.com/interview-with-emsteels-group-ceo-on-innovation/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent initiatives and developments from 2020 to 2024, suggesting relatively recent content. However, there’s no specific date provided for the interview.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
Direct quotes from Al Remeithi are included, but no online sources could be found to verify these as original, first-time quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Gulf Business, a reputable publication in the Middle East. Its reports are generally well-researched and reliable.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
Claims about EMSTEEL’s innovation and sustainability efforts align with broader UAE initiatives and plausible industrial trends, but lack specific data for verification.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the narrative appears current and reliable, the lack of verifiable quotes and specific dates slightly diminishes confidence. Overall, it seems to be a genuine report on EMSTEEL’s initiatives.
