Dubai used 2 million tonnes more steel in 2007 than 2006

The demand for steel across the UAE went up by half last year, according to new industry figures released this week.

Consumption of steel rose to more than 6 million tonnes in 2007 from 4 million tonnes the previous year. The rise was powered by the building boom in Dubai, research group RNCOS said.

It added that demand for steel in other Gulf states was set to pick up, as it was being used in commercial and property schemes and a number of infrastructure projects.

The report said: “The point of concern is the localisation of construction activities to Dubai, but this trend is expected to change in coming years with the entire UAE seeing unprecedented growth, especially Abu Dhabi.”