Steelfab 2015 is hoping to cash in on the growing optimism in the regional construction industry when it gets rolling in Sharjah, UAE, in January (26 to 29) next year.

A growing list of top manufacturers and suppliers are set to converge on this regional platform, which is evident from the rise in bookings and enquiries for exhibition space, said Expo Centre Sharjah, the organiser.

Construction industry reports claim that the $2.5-trillion regional construction sector, one of the key demand drivers for the fabrication industry, is appearing to be returning to near full-capacity.

SteelFab, the region’s premier metal working, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication trade fair, to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah, will focus on specific industry segments. The three segments – steel-tech, fabricators pavilion and steel showcase – launched at the previous edition, will be featured alongside regular sections like welding and cutting, material handling, machine tools and pipe and tube machinery.

“We had unprecedented growth during the previous edition in terms of exhibition space, and exhibitor and visitor number. We are expecting to do better this year given that the market fundamentals are pretty strong and growth drivers are intact,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

A growing economy and the buzz surrounding the winning bid to host the World Expo 2020 had helped SteelFab 2014 achieve phenomenal growth, adding 50 per cent more exhibition space to accommodate a 25 per cent rise in the number of exhibitors, said the organiser.

“The increase in visitor turnout too saw a significant surge of 25 per cent, an unprecedented rise in the 10-year history of SteelFab,” he added.

SteelFab is also known for its strong appeal to leading manufacturers and dealers from countries such as Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey and China.

“Foreign participation in SteelFab has been increasing with every passing year, and our partnership with several industry associations and government entities has ensured that visitors have access to the widest range of products from across the world to choose from,” said Midfa.

Additionally, visitors can also take advantage of an extensive line-up of technical seminars and product presentations that will be held alongside the show.