Lakshmi Mittal expands GCC footprint with new Sharjah steel plant

Lakshmi Mittal expands GCC footprint with new Sharjah steel plant

Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is deepening his presence in the Gulf, moving beyond real estate investments in Dubai to strengthen industrial operations in the region.

The billionaire chairman of ArcelorMittal is set to open a third manufacturing facility in Sharjah, targeting rising demand driven by mega infrastructure and energy projects across the GCC.

The new 1.4 million square foot plant, located in the Hamriyah Free Zone, is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. The facility will significantly enhance production capacity for steel pipes and specialized coatings, catering to oil, gas, and large-scale construction developments.

The expansion comes amid a surge in regional project activity, with GCC project awards reaching $55 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Industry analysts say the growing pipeline of energy, transport, and urban development initiatives is driving sustained demand for high-grade steel solutions.

Mittal’s latest move signals strong confidence in the Gulf’s long-term infrastructure growth story, positioning Sharjah as a key hub in meeting the region’s industrial and energy sector needs.