Europe accounts for USD 3.5 million of GCC’s annual global aluminium exports of USD 62.5 million

Europe is gaining a bigger share of the Gulf’s aluminium exports, currently accounting for approximately 150,000 tons or USD 3.5 million of the region’s annual aluminium sales. Burgeoning demand along with high local production costs has elevated European dependence on Gulf aluminium. The entire Middle East processes around 3 million tons of primary aluminium or around 7 per cent of total global production, making it a prime source of the product not only for Europe but for other global buyers as well. The GCC region in fact exports a total of 2.6 million tons of aluminium worth USD 62.5 million annually to the global markets.   

With new smelters in the pipeline, the Gulf will soon have a total of six such facilities in operation. The UAE has emerged as one of the 10 biggest producers of aluminium in the world and the region’s leading aluminium player, with Dubai Aluminium Company Ltd. and Emirates Aluminium in Abu Dhabi combining to produce around 1.8 million tons of aluminium per year or 40 per cent of the Middle East’s total annual output. 

The ability of the Gulf to meet global demand for aluminium will take centerstage during the 2^nd edition of ALUMINIUM Dubai, the local version of Reed Exhibitions’ global series of aluminium events which also covers India, China and Germany. The leading aluminium trade show for the Middle East will be held from May 9 to 11, 2011 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Several factors have helped the Gulf gain a bigger share of the international aluminium markets, including our proximity to major aluminium consumers, high quality, reliability of supply and excellent infrastructure. With many smelting developments currently underway, we can expect greater global interest in our aluminium capabilities in the coming period. ALUMINIUM Dubai will enable investors from around the world to learn more about how the Gulf’s aluminium markets work and how they can secure partnerships with the region’s top aluminium players,” said Mahmood Daylami, General Secretary, Gulf Aluminium Council.

“ALUMINIUM Dubai 2011 will gather some of the world’s top aluminium companies and related manufacturers and service providers to offer comprehensive solutions and strategies for leveraging the Gulf’s aluminium potential. This year we will truly make the region’s industry go global and present it as a preferred partner for aluminium trade. One of our strengths is that we collaborate not only with industry but with governments as well to provide a detailed picture of the region’s aluminium business and help maximize available and upcoming opportunities,” added Tarek Ali, Show Manager, ALUMINIUM Dubai, Reed Exhibitions.

Last year’s inaugural show welcomed 165 exhibitors from 23 countries and over 3,000 visitors from 61 countries, 73 per cent based in the region. Around 98 per cent of guests occupied key managerial positions in their respective companies. This year’s edition already has 81 confirmed companies so far, with more expected to follow from neighboring countries.

EMAL, DUBAL, SMS Metallurgy, FATA Spa, Gulf Extrusion and other pioneering participants of ALUMINIUM DUBAI are coming back in 2011 to elaborate on their expansion plans and investment offerings. Interested parties are invited to visit www.aluminium-dubai.com for more event details.