Ikigai Steel Marks Major Milestone, Eyes Global Expansion from Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone
Ikigai Steel, a leading player in structural steel engineering, fabrication, and construction, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of over 20 large-scale industrial and commercial projects across the UAE and the broader Gulf region. The company operates out of its newly established 548,000-sq-ft facility in Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone, representing a 30 million AED investment.
As it cements its status in the region, Ikigai Steel is looking to the future with international expansion plans targeting Canada and Africa. These ambitions are underpinned by a projected annual production capacity increase to 45,000 tonnes—a move poised to further strengthen Sharjah’s position as a global hub for industrial investment and international expansion.
A recent visit by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, to the state-of-the-art facility showcased advanced manufacturing systems. During the tour, Al Mazrouei observed technologies such as precision laser cutting, automated welding lines, and the company’s proprietary 3D steel twisting/forming technology. This innovative tech enables the production of complex structural components destined for stadiums, bridges, airports, and iconic architectural landmarks.
Executives highlighted Ikigai Steel’s key success factors to Al Mazrouei, focusing on rigorous quality and safety protocols and the company’s ability to meet regional infrastructure supply chain demands. Ikigai boasts a client portfolio featuring names like Abu Dhabi Airports, Emaar, Neom/Air Products/CCC, Red Sea Global/China Steel, ALEC, AES, Dutco, Pfeifer, Meraki, and Sobha.
Saud Salim Al Mazrouei stated, “Sharjah continues to strengthen its position as a leading industrial hub in the region, capable of attracting high-quality projects and supporting their rapid and sustainable growth.“
On the company’s achievements, Ikigai Steel CEO Rohan Raj Nadarajan noted that the company has “recorded significant growth since launching operations in the Hamriyah Free Zone,” crediting the area’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure for providing an ideal environment for growth. He added, “this foundation enabled the company to execute multiple large-scale industrial projects, expand into new markets such as Canada and Africa, and scale up its production capacity to meet rising demand.”
Rohan Raj also pointed to workforce growth as a metric of success, noting the number of employees now exceeds 200, reflecting both operational expansion and success in attracting and developing skilled talent. The workforce is notably strong in advanced manufacturing and proprietary 3D steel twisting/forming technology—highlighted as one of the sector’s most cutting-edge innovations.
Ikigai Steel’s remarkable progress in Sharjah serves as a testament to the emirate’s thriving ecosystem for industrial enterprises and its role in facilitating rapid, sustainable growth for globally-minded companies.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
