The metalworking industry in Sharjah has been able to command the world’s attention through the highly successful SteelFab, which has long held the title of the premier metalworking trade show in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Editions have consistently set the standard for innovation, technology and industrial excellence in the region. From its inception, the event has catered to the A-to-Z requirements of the steel fabrication industry. Nowhere can buyers find the wealth of trends and technological advancements under one roof. In fact, SteelFab has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in manufacturing, a sector rapidly embracing AI tools, advanced robotics, data analytics, and next-generation connectivity standards. Manufacturers in the region are leveraging these technologies to optimize operations, reduce costs and improve efficiency. Here SteelFab equips Sharjah’s metalworking industry with the tools acutely needed by industry leaders to adapt their business models and create new value propositions in a highly competitive market. Welding and cutting solutions form the backbone of the trade show, which has transformed SteelFab into a go-to sourcing hub for regional buyers. The rising demand for welding equipment and consumables in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, energy, aerospace, and defense raises SteelFab’s profile even higher. Projects like new power plant construction, maintenance activities, and renewed investments in the oil and gas sector have further boosted the market for welding technologies. Sharjah’s robust fabrication yards and engineering workshops make SteelFab an indispensable event. Heavy fabrication and the shift toward renewable energy have also contributed to the growing significance of SteelFab’s welding and cutting segment. This year, SteelFab will host a welding competition sponsored by ESAB, a leader in the welding industry. The competition will challenge participants on three criteria: visual appeal, adherence to WPS parameters, and completion time.