Aluminium Dubai 2009 to feature exhibitors from across the value chain

Other services used in aluminium production such as tooling, plant equipment and engineering will also be showcased, with exhibitors from over 15 countries having confirmed their support to the show.

Tarek Ali, Show Manager, Aluminium Dubai, said:

"In the region, aluminium production is expected to top 6.1 million tons by 2013 with 11 smelters in operation in the coming years. Our priority as organizers has been to promote the developments in this region and we have therefore leveraged Reed's worldwide network to invite service providers to the industry to introduce their latest products, services and technologies to the market."

"We are proud that regional majors such as Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), Gulf Extrusion and Al Jaber extrusion, in addition to leading global exhibitors, will exhibit at Aluminium Dubai 2009," Ali added.

The MENA region constitutes 3.5% of the global demand for aluminium. This demand is expected to grow significantly. Extrusion will grow by 7.9% per annum by 2020, while rolling products will grow 8.3% per annum with casting growing 4.7%. In the GCC, aluminium is widely used by the building industry, commercial transport, packaging and infrastructure sectors, with automotive, consumer products and aerospace sectors seeing less demand according to the organizers of Aluminium Dubai 2009.

The aluminium industry in the GCC countries is developing rapidly due to the global demand for primary aluminium, in addition to the natural and geographical advantages. The location of GCC countries, acting as they do as a connection between the East and the West, provides an ideal platform to reach different geographic markets with fewer logistics and shipping costs. Other factors that have prompted the growth of the industry include access to capital, skilled staff and infrastructure backed by the acknowledgement that GCC countries need to develop multiple sectors of industry.

The profile of participants at Aluminium Dubai 2009 reflects the focus on mid-stream production activity such as smelting, and downstream production in extrusion, processing and fabrication. Technologies like smelting furnaces, casting applications, heat treatment and master shells equipments will be exhibited. Mechanical jacking, in addition to aluminium carving and aluminium processing, will also be included. Other products and technologies such as aluminium profiles, green anode production and engineering services will be displayed as part of the exhibitor portfolio.