Aluminium boom in Gulf spurs return of trade show

Next year's event is an investment opportunity, says Ali.

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Aluminium production in the GCC has doubled in ten years, according to the latest figures, as the increasing importance of the region for the metal’s production has led to the second round of a key trade show.

The region produced 2.18 million tonnes of primary aluminium between January and October this year, fourth behind the United States, Western and Eastern Europe, according to the International Aluminium Institute.

The Gulf Aluminium Council, the regional trade body, expects the Gulf region plus Egypt to produce close to four million tonnes this year, up from around 1.75 million tonnes in 2000. The region’s production could hit nine million metric tonnes, or 13% of global supply, by 2020 on the back of new smelters and unit expansions.

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The Gulf’s aluminium players will take the opportunity to discuss major industry trends and share strategies for boosting their global market share during the 2nd edition of the biennial ALUMINIUM Dubai show to be held from 9th-11th May 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

“The successful completion of all phases of new smelters projects across the Gulf region, which will support the growth of the aluminium production, plays a vital role in the development of aluminium-related industries and opens new opportunities for the Arab and international investors,” said Tarek Ali, Show Manager, ALUMINIUM Dubai show manager at Reed Exhibitions.

“ALUMINIUM Dubai acquires a special importance as it provides an ideal platform to utilise the investment opportunities by bringing together the industry leaders from all over the world.”

ALUMINIUM Dubai will also highlight the investment plans and the expansion activities of Gulf producers. Some of the major industry names that supported the first edition – including Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), DUBAL, SMS Metallurgy and FATA Spa – have confirmed their return participation in the 2011 show.

Debuting in March 2009, ALUMINIUM Dubai gathered 165 exhibitors from 23 countries, and more than 3,000 attendees from 61 countries – 73% of whom came from the region.