The Arabal 2025 conference and trade show is underway in Dubai, UAE.

Keynote remarks were provided by the CEOs of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Alcoa after a welcome from organiser, the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC).

This week's event had 570 delegates (pictured bottom) - an Arabal record.

Mr Mahmood Aldailami, Secretary General of the GAC, said Middle East production was now at 7 million tonnes a year and that a Gulf company, EGA was preparing to build a smelter in the USA.

"This is not about one region wining over the other but shows that different regions can collaborate, innovate and work together," he said.

"Some people might think given the environment for trade these days that is wishful thinking - and they might be right. Now we see a complex global environment with trade tensions and protectionism increasing.

"But at the same time demand for aluminium is increasing, especially in the west.

"China has reached its 45 million tonnes cap, Gulf countries are working to diversify their economies away from oil and gas and, across Asia and Africa they are working on developing their own processes.

"All of us in aluminium are under pressure to decarbonise, to make our operations cleaner and more sustainable.

"I hope we’ll touch on these subjects over the next two days. We'll hope to cover the impact of politics, of supply and demand, future opportunities as well as energy, economy and sustainability."

Mr Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, EGA's CEO (pictured above), described how the company supports over 50,000 jobs and contributes 1.3% to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"That is progress we should all proud of," he said.

"But to stay competitive, our next chapter must have us to be more smarter, more greener, more global and, at the same time, more local."

Alcoa CEO William Oplinger called for more collaboration within the industry.

“We must engage and collaborate as partners, not adversaries, it is essential to collaborate and build agreements that strengthen our industry and keep us competitive.

“Just think about what we can build with shared industry know how, with research, technology and standards to accelerate innovation and decarbonisation.

“Individually each Gulf nation is strong together, you are a global force, the same is true of our industry.

“ I believe this is the path forward, our legacy will not be measured in tonnes of aluminium but in strength, sustainability and the longevity of the world we helped to build.

“All of us around the world and especially in the Gulf, make decisions that chart our course forward.”

The question is not whether we have the resources or the talent we do, the question is which future will forge, that answer begins today.”

The parallel trade show includes exhibitors such as Gulf smelters Sohar Aluminium, Alba and Qatalum, as well as industry technology providers such as Storvik, ABB and Gillespie and Powers.

The event continues until tomorrow, November 6.