The UAE has strengthened its role in global industrial decarbonisation efforts after EMSTEEL Group, one of the region’s largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers, was reappointed as Co-Chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation (AFID) for a second term.

The reappointment was announced during New York Climate Week 2026, reaffirming EMSTEEL’s role in supporting international efforts to reduce industrial carbon emissions and accelerate the transition towards lower-carbon industrial production.

Led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), AFID brings together industry leaders, technology providers, energy companies and knowledge partners to develop practical and scalable solutions for industrial decarbonisation.

EMSTEEL will continue to co-chair the alliance alongside German chemicals company BASF.

EMSTEEL was first appointed AFID Co-Chair in September 2024, succeeding Tata Steel in the global leadership role.

Saeed Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said: “EMSTEEL’s reappointment as AFID Co-Chair for a second term reflects international recognition of our leadership in advancing industrial decarbonisation and shaping the future of low-carbon industry. It also highlights EMSTEEL’s practical experience in developing solutions that reduce emissions while enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness. “

Al Remeithi added: “Meaningful progress on industrial decarbonisation requires close alignment across policy, energy, finance, infrastructure and technology. Through our continued co-leadership of the Alliance, we will work to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the deployment of practical, scalable solutions across hard-to-abate sectors, while supporting the UAE’s contribution to shaping a more sustainable future for global industry.”

During its second term, EMSTEEL will support international dialogue on decarbonisation pathways and promote coordination across industry, energy and finance.

The collaboration will focus on mobilising investment, developing infrastructure and securing clean energy supplies needed to accelerate the transition to low-carbon industry.

The role also aligns with EMSTEEL’s long-term decarbonisation strategy and its commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

The company is pursuing this goal through greater use of clean electricity, improved energy and resource efficiency, green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, circular economy initiatives and the production of lower-carbon building materials. -TradeArabia News Service