This workshop, led by senior experts from Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche and Danieli Automation, explores how advanced automation, intelligent control, and digital solutions are transforming efficiency and quality in modern tube production. Through a focused presentation and interactive roundtable, participants will gain practical insights into how innovation and digitalization drive competitiveness, sustainability, and operational excellence in steel manufacturing.

• Innovation in Tube Production: Explore technologies boosting productivity, precision, and quality.
• Digital Transformation: See how data analytics and automation enhance performance and energy efficiency.
• Strategic Competitiveness: Learn how digital systems strengthen market position and ensure long-term growth.

The push to expand steel production capacity into high-value, electrified steel products in Saudi Arabia is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic development and signals the advancement of steelmaking technology available in the Kingdom. It also plays a vital role in enabling downstream activity, particularly in the automotive industry.  
This workshop will provide insights into:  

• The role of strategic partnerships in developing steelmaking capacity in Saudi Arabia.
• How downstream customers can benefit from a more localised supply chain, less reliant on imports and the effect of trade barriers.
• Developing the necessary talent to support this economic activity.  

The Industrial Sector Competitive Program is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy under Vision 2030, aiming to transform the Kingdom into a globally competitive, diversified, and sustainable industrial powerhouse. Focusing on high-value sectors such as minerals, metals, and advanced manufacturing, the program seeks to integrate Saudi industry into global value chains and drive resilient, technology-led growth.

• Accelerated Industrial Diversification: Expanding value-added sectors steel, minerals, and advanced manufacturing to build a balanced economy beyond oil.
• Enabling Environment & Infrastructure: Enhancing industrial zones, logistics, and utilities while streamlining regulations to attract both local and global investors.
• Human & Technological Capability Development: Investing in skills, research, and digital transformation to elevate efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across Saudi industry.

The steel industry does not exist in a vacuum – the megatrends shaping our societies and economies are also shaping our industry, whether it be the continuing need to decarbonize, the proliferation of urbanization, disruption in global trade and shifting geopolitics, this workshop will aim your team with the knowledge, tools and expertise to navigate:

• How urbanization reshapes the industry’s structure, technologies, and sustainability priorities. 
• How tariffs, trade wars and carbon taxes will impact the economic efficiency of steel and iron supply chains. 
• Where the global push for decarbonization, green steel and renewable energy usage will leave the steel industry in the next 3-5 years.  

Saudi Arabia and Egypt are both pursuing opportunities to diversify value added, downstream steel production and localise feedstock supply for increasingly diversified economic sectors requiring steel input material. Authorities aim to attract local investors as well as foreign know-how to develop the necessary steelmaking and manufacturing capability. Industry will require supportive regulatory and business conditions to push through investments, including a sustainable supply of raw materials for steelmaking. This session encompassing the industry ministers of two of the Arab world’s economic powerhouses will look at:

• Injecting future capital investments for steel and related projects
• Establishing strategic partnerships with domestic, regional and international players
• Connecting the whole steel value chain, from upstream raw material producers all the way to end user industries

The Middle East and North Africa are being touted as future low-emission steelmaking hubs, but they are not immune to today’s global steel industry problems. Overcapacity and relentless Chinese exports are squeezing margins worldwide, while US tariffs have increased concerns over trade diversion. Ambitious national programmes such as Saudi Vision 2030 are nevertheless likely to provide significant stimulus, ensuring better demand prospects than for other regions. Regional players will need to secure sufficient high-grade raw material supply, as well as gas and electricity for new capacities. This panel of leaders will provide a clear outlook on:

• To what extent ambitious national programmes are stimulating steel demand and how steelmakers are utilising this opportunity.
• What impact overcapacity and trade diversion are having on the regional steel industry and what mitigating measures.
• How steelmakers are positioning themselves for demand from new end-user sectors

In a supply and value chain as complex as the steel industry’s, steelmakers, traders and end users increasingly need reliable, verifiable data on where both the end product and raw materials have come from. The range of technologies available to help deliver this are numerous, whether it be blockchain, IoT, artificial intelligence or digital twins, this panel will explore both why traceability is more necessary than ever, as well as the practical pathways to achieving this, including:  

• How enhanced digitalisation can help achieve more sustainable and resilient steel supply chains from iron ore, scrap all the way to the end user product.
• Improve product quality assurance and in turn bolster trust between steelmakers and their key customers.
• Support decarbonization efforts throughout the steel value chain 

Much like many other heavy industrial sectors, steel has a double-edged skills shortage. On the one hand, young, diverse, technologically literate candidates are being swept up by big tech companies. At the same time, older, experienced executives are retiring from the sector, often taking their decades of knowledge and experience with them. This session will explore pathways to solving this problem including:

• Making the steel industry a more diverse, welcoming environment for young candidates, in particular for women
• Adopt modern technologies to demonstrate to prospective workers that their skills and talents will be put to valuable use
• Continuing to genuinely pursue decarbonization to alleviate any reputational or environmental concerns would-be steelworkers may have about joining the sector

Steelmakers are constantly seeking technological solutions to achieve higher efficiency, lower downtime, and greater sustainability through innovative equipment, tailored solutions, and expert support. In this presentation Gemkom will outline their approach to digital and business transformation, emphasising how early adoption and an innovative mindset can allow steelmakers to succeed by: 

• Delivering state-of-the-art plants and equipment for melt shops and rolling mills
• Manufacturing high-quality spare parts and technological components for production and off-gas systems
• Revamping, upgrading, and providing turnkey solutions with comprehensive technical consulting and support

Saudi Arabia's steel industry is evolving rapidly, driven by Vision 2030, infrastructure megaprojects, and increasing domestic demand across key sectors.

This panel will present perspectives from leading local steel producers, downstream processors, fabricators, and investors, highlighting advancements in:

• Operational efficiency, technology adoption, sustainability, and value-added steel production
• Industrial modernization and capacity growth
• Supply chain integration - how local finishers, fabricators and logistics firms are aligning to meet the demand for high-quality, customized steel products

As the economic headwinds facing users of scrap steel intensify in the face of global tariffs, technical innovations are allowing steelmakers to use scrap more efficiently without having to compromise on final product quality. This session will offer an inquiry into how technology is transforming the scrap market by:

• Next-Generation Sensor Technologies for Advanced Material Sorting: Investigating innovative sensorbased solutions that provide enhanced capabilities for identifying and classifying the composition of scrap steel in real-time.
• Automation and Robotics for Optimized Recycling Processes: Exploring the integration of advanced automation and robotic systems to streamline separation, handling, and processing of scrap steel, improving efficiency and throughout
• Innovative Techniques for Enhanced Material Purity and Quality Upgrading: Discussing novel technologies and processes aimed at removing impurities and upgrading the quality of recycled steel to meet stringent market specifications.
• Fostering a Culture of Innovation to Maximize Scrap Utilization: Examining the strategies and approaches needed to drive a continuous cycle of innovation within the steel recycling sector, ultimately reducing the demand for primary resources.
• Emerging Technologies and Future Directions in Steel Recycling Innovation: Providing insights into promising new technologies and research areas that hold the potential to further revolutionize steel recycling practices in the years to come.

This session explores how advanced simulation  addresses core challenges in forging operations—enhancing productivity while ensuring first-pass part quality—by predicting defects, optimizing material use, and safeguarding tooling and equipment integrity.

This presentation will arm your team with the understanding of:

• Tackling high scrap and energy use: understanding root causes of material waste and excessive power draw and identifying process adjustments to trim consumption without trial-and-error downtime.
• Predicting and preventing tooling failures: highlighting the impact of die stresses, thermal fatigue, and uneven load distribution on maintenance cycles and unplanned stoppages.
• Eliminating hidden quality defects: uncovering origins of cold shuts, laps, and internal voids early in process design to achieve consistent first-pass part conformity.

Steelmakers face mounting pressure to boost productivity while meeting sustainability targets. This session, led by Russula, explores how digital transformation empowers businesses to streamline operations, optimise water treatment, and unlock new value across the plant. Learn how forward-looking companies are leveraging digital tools to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

This session will look at: 

• Strategic benefits of digital transformation for long-term competitiveness in steelmaking.
• How optimised water treatment supports both operational resilience and sustainability goals.
• Real-world examples of digital adoption driving measurable business impact in steel plants.

Global steel demand was forecasted to grow from 1750.9mt in 2024 to 1771mt in 2025, in order for this potential to be realized however, a variety of factors must converge. This future steel outlook delivered by the World Steel Association will lay out the key factors impacting steel industry performance including:

• Demand outlook for key steel consuming industries such as the construction, automotive and mechanical growth
• How megatrends such as urbanization, technological progress and climate change are impacting steel demand
• Analysis of the full life cycle for steel including the availability of scrap and the role of recycling

Iron prices in 2025 have averaged lower than any year since 2019, with more supply forecast to come to the market later this year amid tepid Chinese demand. Although its steel exports continue relentlessly, China is increasingly demanding lower-grade material as its steelmakers battle depressed margins. The much-anticipated Simandou high-grade iron ore mine is meanwhile set to start operations this year. Metallics such as hot-briquetted iron are also increasingly in demand, and the merchant market is developing fast in the Middle East.

This session will look at:

• What easing iron ore supply means for prices in 2025
• The prospects for Chinese iron ore demand - alternative demand sources to support the seaborne market
• To what extent has low-grade ore come more into the spotlight than high-grade material amid depressed steelmaking margins
• What measures are Australian miners taking to continue exploiting their resources amid iron ore gr

here is no clearer symbol of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and industrial strategy than the emergence and proliferation of megaprojects. Most importantly for the steel industry, these giant infrastructure undertakings will require immense amounts of steel, driving domestic and regional demand as well as opportunities for global players to win business.

Hear directly from the companies engaged in work as they provide insights into:

• A clear forecast for the specific steel products needed to support these projects, and
• the timelines for delivering them
• A real-time update on project milestones vs stated timelines
• The role of offtake agreements in easing risks to supply chains, including raw material fluctuation

One fundamental truth of the steel industry is that it will always be a cyclical industry, deeply interconnected with the global economy, trade conditions, interest rates & consumer confidence. For steelmakers understanding where we are currently in the cycle, and the near, medium and long term forecasts for economic performance are vital in supporting long-term growth strategies. This keynote will outline:

• The global picture for steel demand & how steel companies can service it
• Macro-economic headwinds & how steel companies can insulate themselves from the negative impact of them
• Regional outlooks focused on Europe, the Middle East & Asia 

With a mission statement to pioneer the Arab iron and steel industries while enabling transnational cooperation, the Arab Iron and Steel Union continues to play a vital role in supporting the development of Middle Eastern and North African steelmaking. Whether it be in the realm of policy and regulation, technology, trade or decarbonization, the AISU serves as a vital resource for the regional steel and iron value chain. In this session, hear from the stalwart AISU Chairman Ahmed Ezz as he explores:

• The economic picture for Arab steelmakers and how they can ensure performance amid challenging conditions
• The outlook for cooperation between the Arab iron and steel industries, and partnerships with other regions of the world
• The role of the AISU in skills and talent development, ensuring that steelmakers are able to attract the talent required to compete in an increasingly digital world
• The progress made in diversifying the Arab economy’s manufacturing base and prospects for new steel demand

The policy responses to emerging heightened geopolitical frictions, economic sanctions, 
port snarls and regional hostilities are exacerbating lead-time volatility, material shortfalls and cost fluctuations.

• How steelmakers and policymakers can mitigate risks posed by geopolitical pain points in the steel and iron supply chain.
•  Foster collaborative risk management structures utilizing public-private partnerships in supporting supply chain resilience.
• Enhance transparency and situational with data-driven monitoring frameworks and streamlined information triage across stakeholders.

With the rapid growth of the construction sector in Saudi Arabia, the steel industry , particularly rebar production , stands as a critical enabler of sustainable infrastructure and urban development. Globally, more than 50% of steel pro duction is used in construction, with over 400 million tons of rebar produced annually , which give a clear indication of the industry’s strategic importance. This presentation will address the integral relationship between the steel and construction sectors through three main pillars:

• Adherence to Technical Standards: The importance of complying with national and international specifications to ensure quality and safety in rebar production.
• Production Practices and Market Gaps: A review of current technologies and best practices, while discussing the risks associated with substandard production methods adopted by some local manufacturers.
• Sustainability and Circular Economy: The shift toward sustainable production, with emphasis on scrap utilization, the global scrap shortage, and the need for balanced technical and economic solutions.

It is not an easy time to be in the steel industry. Overcapacity has worsened despite years of warning, while an increasing number of markets are putting up trade barriers, limiting the scope for global trade. Global economic growth and, in turn, steel demand has slowed following multiple geopolitical disruptions. This is all happening while the global steel industry, at varying speeds, attempts a hugely costly transition to low-emission steelmaking. Ensuring continued business growth and viable returns is a difficult challenge.

This panel of top global executives will look at the prospects for key regional markets and how they tie into the global steel trade – including:

• Pathways to alleviate price pressures caused by global overcapacity.  
• How steelmakers can continue to pursue decarbonization in face of continued macro-economic headwinds.
• How the evolving regulatory landscape will impact global steelmaker’s future strategies

Integrated product lifecycle or Performance partnership refers to offering tailored solutions to maximize plant performance, accelerate modernisation & ramp-ups, and manage total lifecycle costs across steel and heavy industrial assets. The offering is structured around three core value propositions: CREATE (asset delivery), INCREASE (performance optimization), and MANAGE (lifecycle support). It combines automation, digitalization, predictive analytics, and traditional services (spare parts, maintenance, repairs, modernization) into a cohesive portfolio designed to reduce operational risk and enable end users to focus on their core business. 

The GCC has set its sights on diversifying and adding value to its economic output. The localization of shipbuilding and defense manufacturing have also been touted as key growth areas, with the latter especially taking on extra significance amid the geopolitical turmoil of recent years. These industries will require flat steel and other steel products hitherto not produced in the region and open up opportunities for new investments, such as the Saudi Aramco-Baosteel plate-making joint venture.  This session will provide a clear outlook on: 

• The prospects for developing localized shipbuilding and defiance equipment production.
• What strategies regional steel players are employing to ensure new industries have a supply of the steel feedstocks required.
• What challenges new industrial manufacturing investments are facing in terms of securing gas and electricity allocation 
   

In this fireside chat, Tadeu Carneiro of Boston Metal will explore the shifting landscape of decarbonization, share his company’s journey from startup to industry pioneer, and illuminate how breakthrough technologies can accelerate the path to net-zero steelmaking. Join us for an insightful discussion on the challenges, strategies, and innovations defining the next era of steel production. 

• Decarbonization Roadmap: Understanding the economic, regulatory, and technological drivers shaping the outlook for low-carbon metals and mining, including key milestones and potential barriers.
• Technology's Transformative Role: How emerging technology, such as molten oxide electrolysis, and tools like digital twins and AI-driven process optimization can collectively enable a viable, cost-competitive net-zero steel industry.
• Boston Metal’s Evolution: Lessons learned from Boston Metal’s founding vision.

This session will offer a summary of the discussions held over the 3 days at the 3rd Saudi International Iron & Steel Conference - synthesizing these insights to offer participants a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and food for thought as move towards 2026.