What Are Junk Steel Prices in UAE
Junk steel prices refer to the market value of discarded or scrap steel that is no longer usable in its original form but still holds significant worth for recycling and industrial use. This steel often comes from construction waste, old machinery, broken tools, vehicle parts, and factory scraps.
Current Junk Steel Prices in the UAE (April 2025)
In the United Arab Emirates, junk steel prices typically range from AED 1.75 to AED 1.95 per kilogram, depending on factors such as steel type, cleanliness, quantity, and location. Prices may fluctuate based on local market demand and international scrap trends.
The Junk steel prices depend on several factors
Junk prices in the United Arab Emirates depends on several important factors. One of the key factors is the type of steel being sold, such as stainless steel, mild steel, alloy steel, or structural steel. Another factor is the condition of the scrap, including how clean and pure it is.
Clean steel that is free from rust, paint, rubber, or plastic usually receives a higher price. The quantity of steel being sold also affects the rate, as larger quantities often attract better offers. Additionally, prices may vary depending on the location of the scrap yard, especially between cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Source of Junk metal and Reusable Scrap Junk in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, especially in cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, there is a constant turnover of commercial properties, offices, restaurants, hotels, and residential apartments.
Due to the fast-paced nature of the region’s development and high standards of aesthetics and functionality, many companies and hotel chains frequently discard old furniture, steel fixtures, kitchen equipment, and even structural materials in favor of new and more modern replacements.
This constant upgrading contributes significantly to the growing availability of scrap steel and other usable items in the secondary market. In many cases, foreign residents and expatriates who have to leave the country due to job changes, visa expiration, or personal reasons are often in a hurry to dispose of their household or commercial equipment.
Instead of shipping items back to their home countries, which is both expensive and impractical, they prefer to sell these items quickly at discounted rates. Similarly, when the rental agreements of restaurants, warehouses, or shops end, tenants are often required to vacate the property.
In such situations, they are left with no choice but to either dispose of or sell their remaining equipment and materials, which often includes a large amount of metal and steel-based items.
These practices have made the UAE, particularly areas like Sajja Industrial Area in Sharjah, a hotspot for the resale and recycling of second-hand and scrap items.
One specific location, known widely as Market Number 10 in Sajja, is renowned for offering a wide range of used items such as steel shelves, counters, machines, air conditioners, display fridges, and construction materials at very affordable prices.
Instead of buying brand-new equipment, many entrepreneurs, small business owners, or low-budget startups prefer visiting this market to find affordable and durable used items, including scrap steel, to set up or expand their businesses.
Buying second-hand or scrap materials from such markets not only helps reduce operational costs but also supports sustainable practices by giving used materials a second life.
For example, a new business setting up a restaurant or workshop can find used stainless steel tables, grills, racks, and other furniture items at nearly half the price of new ones — all of which were originally part of a five-star hotel, factory, or high-end restaurant.
To benefit from these opportunities, it is highly recommended that buyers, scrap traders, and business investors build strong networks with scrap dealers across the UAE. Maintaining regular contact and doing thorough market research can provide early access to high-quality discarded items.
Many dealers have reliable information about upcoming hotel renovations, business closures, or rental contract expirations, allowing you to buy valuable scrap before it hits the open market.
In conclusion, the junk steel prices and steel resale market in the UAE offers significant potential for those looking to reduce costs, start a new venture, or enter the scrap trading business. With the right contacts and awareness of hotspots like Sajja’s Market Number 10, both small and large buyers can secure excellent deals while contributing to a more sustainable, cost-effective economy.
Difference Between Junk Steel Prices and Junk Scrap Prices
Junk steel prices refer specifically to the market value of discarded or scrap steel only, whether from construction, machinery, or household sources. In contrast, junk scrap prices cover a broader category that includes different types of scrap metals such as iron, aluminum, copper, and steel.
Since steel is strong, durable, and widely used in industries, it often holds a higher market price compared to mixed or low-grade scrap materials. Understanding this distinction helps sellers and buyers better evaluate the value of their scrap and negotiate more accurately in the local UAE market.
Final Thoughts
In the UAE, junk iron holds significant economic and environmental value. By selling sorted steel scrap, sellers can maximize their returns, and industries can reduce raw material costs. Keeping track of current junk steel prices helps both buyers and sellers make informed decisions in the scrap metal market.