Gcc Steel Long Products Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

GCC Steel Long Products Market Overview

• The GCC Steel Long Products Market is valued at USD 6 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis of regional steel demand and production within the broader GCC steel market. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for construction and infrastructure development across the region, supported by large public spending programs such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s federal and emirate-level housing and transport programs, and Qatar’s post–World Cup infrastructure and real estate pipeline. The market has seen a significant rise in consumption due to urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, which have led to a surge in the need for steel long products used in reinforced concrete, structural framing, and infrastructure networks.
• Key players in this market include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, which together account for the majority of steel consumption and production capacity in the GCC. Saudi Arabia dominates the market due to its large-scale construction and infrastructure projects in housing, rail, metro, industrial zones, and giga-projects such as NEOM and Red Sea developments. The UAE benefits from its strategic location, re-export role, and robust construction sector in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including high-rise buildings, ports, free zones, and industrial areas. Qatar’s rapid urban development, expansion of transport and logistics infrastructure, and legacy projects around major international events have also contributed to its significant market presence in long products, especially rebar and wire rod.
• In 2023, GCC countries advanced sustainability requirements on steel production and use through national industrial and environmental frameworks, including instruments such as Saudi Arabia’s Law of the Environment issued by Royal Decree No. M/165 of 2021 and its implementing regulations, which set limits on industrial emissions and require environmental permits and monitoring for steel plants. Similar measures are embedded in the UAE’s Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 for the Protection and Development of the Environment and subsequent implementing regulations, under which steel producers must comply with emission standards, waste management rules, and environmental impact assessment requirements. Across the GCC, these frameworks encourage energy-efficient furnaces, increased scrap-based production via electric arc furnaces, and recycling initiatives, supporting regional decarbonization goals and driving investment in cleaner steelmaking technologies.

GCC Steel Long Products Market Segmentation

By Product Type:The product type segmentation includes various categories such as Rebar, Wire Rod, Merchant Bars (Angles, Channels, Flats), Structural Sections (I-beams, H-beams, Universal Beams), Rails and Railway Sections, Steel Piles, and Others (Special Sections, Bright Bars, etc.). This structure is consistent with the way long steel products are categorized globally. Among these, Rebar is the leading subsegment due to its extensive use in residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction, particularly for reinforced concrete structures across GCC building and civil works. The Wire Rod segment also shows significant growth, primarily used in manufacturing of mesh, fasteners, welding electrodes, and in construction applications such as reinforcing wire and prestressed concrete strands.

By End-Use Sector:The end-use sector segmentation includes Building & Construction, Infrastructure (Roads, Bridges, Rail, Ports, Airports), Oil & Gas and Petrochemicals, Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities, Power & Utilities, and Others (Marine, Agriculture, etc.). This segmentation aligns with the primary demand centers for long steel products globally and in the Middle East. The Building & Construction sector is the dominant segment, driven by ongoing urbanization, housing programs, commercial real estate, and mixed-use developments across GCC cities. The Infrastructure sector also plays a crucial role, with significant investments in highways, bridges, metros, rail, ports, airports, and utility corridors enhancing the demand for rebar, structural sections, and piles in long products.

GCC Steel Long Products Market Competitive Landscape

The GCC Steel Long Products Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Emirates Steel Arkan (UAE), Qatar Steel Company (Qatar), Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed) – SABIC (Saudi Arabia), Al Ittefaq Steel Products Co. (ISPC) (Saudi Arabia), Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC (Oman), SULB Company B.S.C. (Bahrain), Al Rajhi Steel Industries Co. (Saudi Arabia), United Steel Company (Foulath Holding) (Bahrain), Oman United Steel Industries LLC (Oman), Gulf Steel Industries Co. LLC (UAE), Al Jazeera Steel Products Co. SAOG (Oman), Union Iron & Steel Company LLC (UAE), Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co. (Saudi Arabia), Al Ghurair Iron & Steel LLC (UAE), Qatar National Aluminum & Steel Factory (Qatar) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

GCC Steel Long Products Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Infrastructure Development:The GCC region is witnessing a surge in infrastructure projects, with investments projected to reach $1.2 trillion in the future. Major initiatives include the Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar's National Vision 2030, which emphasize extensive infrastructure upgrades. This growth is expected to drive the demand for steel long products, as they are essential for constructing roads, bridges, and public facilities, thereby significantly boosting the market.
• Rising Demand from Construction Sector:The construction sector in the GCC is anticipated to grow by 7% annually, fueled by urbanization and population growth. In the future, the sector's value is expected to exceed $220 billion, creating a robust demand for steel long products. This demand is driven by residential, commercial, and industrial projects, which require substantial quantities of steel for structural integrity and durability, further propelling market growth.
• Government Investments in Mega Projects:Governments in the GCC are investing heavily in mega projects, with over $350 billion allocated for various initiatives in the future. Projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and the Qatar World Cup infrastructure are significant contributors. These investments not only enhance regional infrastructure but also create a sustained demand for steel long products, as they are integral to the construction of large-scale developments and facilities.

Market Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices:The steel industry faces challenges due to volatile raw material prices, particularly iron ore and scrap steel. In the future, iron ore prices are projected to fluctuate between $95 and $125 per ton, impacting production costs. This volatility can lead to reduced profit margins for manufacturers, making it difficult to maintain competitive pricing in the GCC steel long products market.
• Environmental Regulations and Compliance:Stricter environmental regulations are being implemented across the GCC, with compliance costs expected to rise by 20% in the future. These regulations aim to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices in steel production. Companies may face significant investments in technology and processes to meet these standards, which can strain financial resources and impact overall market competitiveness.

GCC Steel Long Products Market Future Outlook

The GCC steel long products market is poised for significant transformation, driven by a focus on sustainability and technological advancements. As governments push for greener manufacturing practices, the adoption of eco-friendly steel production methods is expected to rise. Additionally, the integration of automation and AI in production processes will enhance efficiency and reduce costs. These trends will likely shape the market landscape, fostering innovation and attracting investments in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion into Emerging Markets:Companies in the GCC steel long products market have the opportunity to expand into emerging markets in Africa and Asia, where infrastructure development is accelerating. With a projected growth rate of 8% in these regions, GCC manufacturers can leverage their expertise and quality products to capture new market share and drive revenue growth.
• Development of Eco-Friendly Steel Products:The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials presents a significant opportunity for the GCC steel industry. By developing eco-friendly steel products, manufacturers can cater to environmentally conscious consumers and comply with stringent regulations. This shift not only enhances brand reputation but also opens new revenue streams in a growing market segment focused on sustainability.