The first day included a pre-conference workshop, which highlighted how DUBAL’s proprietary DX+ Technology builds upon the strength and success of its earlier DX Technology, offering smelters greater operating efficiencies at lower capital costs.
This was followed by a site tour of the EMAL smelter, which more than 100 delegates attended. The tour included a drive by tour of phase I and the newly opened phase II, the power plant, reduction facilities, central maintenance services and the port area with a special stop off at EMAL’s Casthouse for a conversation with EMAL employees.
The two day conference programme followed and included six animated sessions covering topics from the future opportunities, investments and plans of the GCC smelters; a look into the warehousing issues; and on the second day, a dedicated look at downstream initiatives in the MENA region.
The event was dominated by the fact that Arabian Gulf aluminium producers are on track to nearly double their slice of global output by 2020 as the Gulf is the only region outside China expanding capacity in the industry.
In 2012 the Arab world accounted for 7.8% of the total global aluminium production and that figure is expected to rise to 10% by 2020 as expansion and greenfield projects come on-stream.
The need for more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within GCC states and for greater integration amongst all Arab countries was also highlighted, along with an economic focus on creating more value added products.
The conference was also supported by the ARABAL exhibition, which was the largest exhibition to date with nearly 40 stands and more than 100 exhibitors.
A more detailed review of the event will be available in the January/February 2014 issue of Aluminium International Today, proud media partner of the ARABAL event.
The 18th edition of ARABAL will be hosted by ALBA
in 2014 – details to follow.