Experts: Infrastructure and Housing Investments Are the Main Drivers of Steel Demand in Arab Countries

Experts and decision-makers at the 18th Arab Steel Summit, held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on October 7–8, confirmed that infrastructure and housing investments are the main drivers of steel demand in Arab countries. Specialists highlighted the significant role that large-scale infrastructure projects — including roads, bridges, airports, ports, and urban housing — play in driving regional steel consumption. They pointed to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 mega-projects, Egypt's new administrative capital, UAE's Expo-legacy projects, and various Gulf infrastructure programs as key demand drivers. The experts also noted that the energy transition and green infrastructure are emerging new demand segments, as renewable energy installations and electric vehicle infrastructure require substantial steel volumes. They called for strengthening coordination between Arab governments and the steel industry to align supply capacity with demand projections.