EMSTEEL has said its steel business unit, Emirates Steel Industries has achieved a significant milestone. It has officially become the first company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certification. The recognition marks a transformative step for both the company and the region, as it paves the way for sustainable, transparent, and low-carbon steel production in line with global standards, according to a statement from the firm.
The ResponsibleSteel certification was awarded after an extensive audit conducted by CARES, an internationally recognised certification body. The rigorous assessment evaluated Emirates Steel Industries, part of EMSTEEL Group’s performance, against a set of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This certification reflects the standards of ethical business conduct and environmental responsibility. This achievement is further solidified by another recognition – EMSTEEL was recently named a 2025 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel), becoming the sole company in the MENA region to earn this for the second consecutive year.
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, EMSTEEL said, “Achieving the ResponsibleSteel certification is a proud milestone for us and is a testament to our relentless commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. As the first company in the MENA region to meet this global benchmark, we’re proud to continue driving national advanced manufacturing goals, while setting industry benchmarks for decarbonising the steel value chain.”
Annie Heaton, Chief Executive Officer of ResponsibleSteel added, “The certification of EMSTEEL marks the arrival of ResponsibleSteel certification in the MENA region and sets an important benchmark for the region’s steel industry. The site certification recognises EMSTEEL’s established governance systems, as well as transparent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. As a region that plays a growing role in the global steel supply chain, the MENA region is poised to become an important piece of the puzzle in the industry’s transition.”
“This certification not only shows that sustainability standards can be applied effectively across different regions but also reflects the sustained progress being made by companies like EMSTEEL. We look forward to continuing our work with EMSTEEL and other regional leaders on the journey to a more responsible steel value chain,” Heaton added.
Lee Brankley, Chief Executives Officer of CARES commented, “EMSTEEL has demonstrated exceptional leadership in meeting ResponsibleSteel’s rigorous ESG standards. We commend their proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement. As the first MENA-based company to receive ResponsibleSteel certification, EMSTEEL is setting a new benchmark for the region and reaffirming its role as a leader in responsible industry transformation. This achievement not only strengthens EMSTEEL’s position on the global stage but also contributes to the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable economic development and climate action.”
ResponsibleSteel, the steel industry’s global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative, collaborates with steel producers, consumers, and intermediaries to establish a sustainable steel industry. By addressing critical challenges like responsible sourcing, climate change, diversity, human rights, and environmental stewardship, ResponsibleSteel aims to foster a more responsible and environmentally conscious steel industry, the statement concluded.
