EMSTEEL, one of the region’s largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aldar to supply hydrogen-based steel rebar, marking a regional first in sustainable construction.
Aldar will be the first developer in the Middle East and North Africa to use hydrogen-based steel rebar in a project. The material will be used in the construction of Abu Dhabi’s first net zero carbon mosque, located in Sustainable City on Yas Island.
Spanning 1,595 sqm and accommodating over 850 worshippers, the mosque targets LEED Zero Carbon certification. This will be achieved through clean energy use and low-carbon construction materials, including hydrogen-based steel produced via low-emissions processes.
The partnership aims to accelerate innovation and drive the construction industry’s shift toward sustainability. By creating demand for low-carbon materials, it also supports the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) programme and promotes economic recirculation.
Steel is the second-largest source of embodied carbon in construction, after concrete, contributing up to 20pct of a building’s total emissions. Hydrogen-based steel can cut these emissions by up to 95pct compared to traditional production methods.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, EMSTEEL has a production capacity of 3.5 mln tons of steel and 4.6 mln tons of cement annually. The group exports to over 70 markets, accounting for 30pct of its sales. The company offers a diverse range of steel products, including wire rod, rebar, heavy sections, and sheet piles.