Dubai will again become a focal point for the global steel supply chain when Middle East Iron & Steel 2025 opens its first full conference day at Madinat Jumeirah on Monday 17 November 2025, with sessions running from 09:00 to 17:30. The event is organised by Fastmarkets and returns to Dubai as the region positions itself at the centre of a three trillion dollar industrial project pipeline and rapidly rising steel demand. Recent briefings suggest more than 1,500 senior stakeholders from over 60 countries will attend, covering mining, mills, traders, logistics providers and technology firms. Together they will examine how new trade routes, decarbonisation pressures and regional mega projects are reshaping the market. Day one sessions run from 09:00 to 17:30 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Event Centre.
Day one focuses on global steel shifts
The first conference morning starts with registration from 09:00 along with breakfast, refreshments and bookable networking areas that stay open until 11:00. During this time, delegates tend to secure introductory meetings, compare outlooks and arrange deeper discussions for the following days. Then the formal programme moves into a welcome address and opening keynotes between 11:00 and 11:50, setting the tone for how Middle East and global steel demand may evolve into 2026. Afterward, speakers explore how shifting trade flows, regional industrial policy and sustainability targets interact with price volatility. Delegates who want to network early should plan to be on site close to 09:00.
Keynote leaders and strategic panels
Following the welcome segment, day one quickly becomes senior level in tone. The opening keynotes on the agenda feature figures such as Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Emsteel, alongside senior representatives from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Fastmarkets leadership. These opening contributions frame how regional capacity expansion, export strategies and new technologies could influence trade patterns. Immediately afterward, a C suite panel titled “MENA in the New Geopolitical Landscape” explores tariffs, regional diversification and how green steel initiatives can fit into large scale infrastructure plans. Moreover, panellists from major regional producers and traders examine where new steel projects should be focused to stay resilient. For many delegates, this keynote block is the single most strategic hour of the entire day.
Market intelligence and decarbonisation themes
As the afternoon begins, the focus shifts toward detailed market intelligence. A session marketed as “Market Intelligence Unpacked” looks at how demand and supply forecasts for 2025 could change under new tariff regimes and trade defence actions. Additionally, experts discuss whether iron ore markets are splitting into higher grade and lower grade tiers, and what that implies for pricing. Another strong thread is the role of green hydrogen, direct reduced iron and modular electrolytic technologies, and whether these can scale fast enough to influence steel geopolitics. Speakers also examine scrap availability, circular economy opportunities and how resource nationalism is reshaping raw material sourcing. Attendees interested in decarbonisation and pricing mechanics will find this block particularly valuable.
Networking, exhibition and side meetings
Between and after sessions, much of the value on day one sits in the exhibition hall and informal meeting areas. Exhibitors include equipment manufacturers, technology providers, logistics specialists and service firms presenting solutions aligned with the conference themes. Moreover, many companies schedule back to back bilateral meetings in private rooms or quiet corners of the conference centre, using the agenda breaks as anchors for negotiations. Lunch is combined with the official opening of the exhibition, giving delegates time to walk stands while continuing conversations. Late afternoon coffees often turn into early planning for deals, joint ventures or trial cargoes to be explored over the next two days. The atmosphere is strongly business focused and primarily suitable for industry professionals and corporate teams.
Registration options and pricing in AED
Ticket information currently lists several delegate packages, with rates advertised in US dollars that convert into four figure sums in dirhams. Standard single delegate passes are priced at 2,599 dollars, which equates to approximately 9,540 AED per person before the addition of 5 percent VAT. Furthermore, discounted group packages bring the cost closer to about 8,250 AED per person for three delegates and around 7,900 AED per person for five delegates, again excluding VAT and any bank charges. These tickets typically cover access to all main conference sessions, exhibition entry, refreshments and scheduled networking functions across the three days. Because rates can change as promotions open or close, interested companies should verify the latest package before making a payment. Budget holders should assume a total attendance cost well above 10,000 AED per delegate once travel and accommodation are included.
Venue details at Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Event Centre sits within the larger Madinat Jumeirah resort complex in Al Sufouh, roughly 20 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. The venue includes a main ballroom style hall, multiple breakout rooms and dedicated foyer areas for registration and refreshments. In addition, it is directly connected to several on site hotels, making it easy for delegates to move between rooms, meetings and accommodation without needing transport. Parking is available in underground and surface lots, though spaces closer to the entrance can fill quickly on busy mornings. Arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes before your first session is strongly recommended to secure convenient parking and complete registration.
Getting there from Dubai and nearby emirates
From within Dubai, many attendees choose to reach the venue using the Red Line of the Dubai Metro to Mall of the Emirates station, then switch to a short taxi ride or the RTA bus 81 toward Burj Al Arab. The bus option generally takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the Mall of the Emirates bus station and costs around 4 to 6 AED each way, while taxis for the same stretch usually fall between 22 and 35 AED depending on traffic. Meanwhile, peak traffic in Dubai typically appears between 07:00 and 09:00 in the morning and again between about 16:00 and 19:00, especially along Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street. Therefore, drivers coming from areas such as Dubai Marina, Business Bay or Deira should add a buffer of at least 20 to 30 minutes to their usual journey time during these windows. Attendees driving in from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other emirates should consider leaving early enough to reach the Jumeirah area before the heaviest rush hour.
Weekend arrivals and advance planning
The official agenda notes that early registration is available on Sunday 16 November 2025 during the afternoon, giving delegates staying nearby a chance to collect badges before the Monday crowd arrives. This option reduces queuing pressure during the main registration period and frees up the early morning for quieter networking. Around the same weekend, forecasts indicate mostly sunny or hazy conditions in Dubai, with daytime highs near 31 degrees and nighttime lows around 22 degrees. Consequently, visitors who plan to arrive on Friday 14, Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 November can expect warm, dry weather suitable for short outdoor walks between hotels, restaurants and the conference centre. Using the weekend to check the venue layout and confirm transport routes often makes day one feel noticeably smoother.
Weather, clothing and transport tips for day one
For Monday 17 November itself, current forecasts suggest hazy sunshine in Dubai with daytime temperatures around 30 to 31 degrees and mild evenings near 24 to 26 degrees, and no significant rain risk. Light, breathable clothing is advisable for outdoor transfers, while a thin layer such as a blazer or shawl helps with the strong indoor air conditioning. Because morning and late afternoon traffic are expected to be heavy, delegates should either travel before 07:00, schedule metro plus taxi journeys to avoid the sharpest peaks, or allow generous buffers when using private cars. Parking at Madinat Jumeirah may be tight around 08:30 and again as late afternoon sessions close, although valet and hotel garages provide additional paid options. According to planning advice often shared by editors at www.few.ae, securing your badge early, building in extra travel time and preparing for both outdoor heat and cool conference rooms will make the first day of Middle East Iron & Steel 2025 far more comfortable.
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