Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 105 | Page 59

CASE STUDY

Emirates Steel Arkan is a public joint stock company listed in the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange , and is one of the MENA region ’ s largest steel and building materials manufacturers . Headquartered in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates , the Group was formed in 2020 through the merger between Emirates Steel and Arkan Building Materials .

Emirates Steel Arkan is majority owned by ADQ , one of the region ’ s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi ’ s diversified economy .
Despite navigating through a challenging and volatile global economic environment , Emirates Steel Arkan showcased a robust operational and financial performance in 2023 .
The Group reported revenues of AED 8.9 billion , witnessing an 18 % year-on-year growth in net profit , amounting to AED 602 million , while the EBITDA surged by 8 % to AED 1.26 billion .
Serving over 70 markets spanning Europe , America , Asia , Middle East , and North Africa , Emirates Steel Arkan holds a significant share in Abu Dhabi ' s manufacturing output , commanding 60 % of the UAE ’ s steel sector .
Emirates Steel Arkan remains steadfast in its commitment to driving industry-wide decarbonisation efforts , aligning closely with the UAE ’ s strategic initiative of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 .
The steel and building materials manufactured by Emirates Steel Arkan have been used in some of UAE ’ s most iconic construction projects , including Burj Khalifa , Emirates Palace , Etihad Towers , and Yas Island , among others .
Emirates Steel Arkan is committed to contributing to UAE ' s industrial strategy Operation 300 billion by delivering market-leading products to support local industries , creating job opportunities for UAE Nationals , and enhancing its sustainable practices . The Group is also among the leading decarbonized steel manufacturers in the world and is recognized for its world-class safety performance .
Expectations of business users
The principal expectations of business end users in such industries revolve around supply chain management , expectations of sustainability improvement , and the need for technological innovation to stay ahead in the industry .
In particular , challenges faced by UAE manufacturers like Emirates Steel Arkan are multifaceted , encompassing supply chain management , sustainability expectations , technological innovation , market adaptability and decarbonisation leadership . Addressing these challenges requires strategic initiatives and a commitment to excellence in all business aspects .
Managing the supply chain is a significant challenge , particularly with the complexity of global and regional supply channels . Sustainability is another critical area where customers of Emirates Steel Arkan have set a high bar . The commitment to sustainable and safe manufacturing processes is unwavering .
Technological innovation is at the forefront of Emirates Steel Arkan ’ s business strategy . By embracing Artificial Intelligence , data analytics , and automation , Emirates Steel Arkan aims to optimise operations , enhance product offerings , and deepen customer engagement .
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