The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has announced the election of Mr. Abdulqader Al-Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed), as Chairman of the Association for its 2026 term, making him the first Saudi, Arab, and Middle Eastern leader to hold this prestigious global position since the Association’s establishment.

Until then, Mr. Al-Mubarak will serve as Vice Chairman of worldsteel for the period from October 2025 to October 2026.

This achievement comes amid the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s steel industry, as part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to strengthen its leadership position in the sector and advance the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the world’s leading international non-profit organizations representing the global steel industry. Its membership includes leading steel producers accounting for approximately 85% of global steel output, positioning it as one of the most influential industrial bodies shaping the future of this vital sector.

The Association works to support and develop the steel industry by providing a collaborative platform for dialogue among its members, promoting innovation, sustainability, and safety, and conducting market studies and statistical analyses that help guide policy and strategic decision-making across the sector.

Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, worldsteel also maintains regional offices in several global capitals. The Association regularly publishes reports and analytical studies on the performance of the steel industry in G20 countries, making it one of the most authoritative global references in the field.