“The GCC region in particular and the Arab region has been witnessing a sustained growth in aluminium sector over the past many decades,” Mohammed Al Naki, the Chairman of the organizing committee of the 18th International Arab Aluminium (Arabal) Conference2014 told a pre-event Press conference hosted by Alba in Bahrain.
The GCC, which at present produces almost 10% of the global aluminium capacity, enjoys the status of one of the leaders in aluminium downstream sector worldwide.
“Arabal provides the perfect platform to highlight the on-going developments, challenges and future opportunities of the aluminium industry in the region,” the Chairman said, as he proudly announced that the event will be held from November 25 to 27, 2014 at the Gulf Hotel, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Arabal 2014, one of the most significant events in the aluminium industry, will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minster of the Kingdom of Bahrain from November 25 to 27, 2014 at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain, under the theme “GCC: An Aluminium Power House.”
Naqi highlighting the importance of the patronage of the event said that HRH Prime Minister’s patronage to this event shows his vision and commitment to the economic development of the GCC region.
“HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa is an architect of the modern economy of Bahrain and everyone in the GCC is proud of his leadership, vision and efforts for fostering brotherly ties among the GCC states,” Naqi, added praising Bahraini leadership’s commitment to the welfare and well being of people of the GCC.
Naki was joined by Jameel Shakeel from Sohar Aluminium, Ghannam Al-Ghannam from Saudi Arabian Mining Company, (Ma’aden), Ibrahim Fakhri from Qatalum and Eline Hilal from Aluminium Bahrain.
“On behalf of the Committee, I express gratitude to HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minster of the Kingdom of Bahrain for granting patronage to Arabal 2014. I would also like to express our deepest thanks to HRH the Prime Minster for his great vision of bringing the aluminium smelters of the region under the umbrella of Arabal in 1983, thus forging a lifelong partnership between the smelters,” Naqi said.
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the delegates who will be present during Arabal 2014 and wish everyone success in their endeavours. We would also like to thank all the partners for their continuous support towards Arabal and making it a huge success.”
The Arabal Organising Committee members said that Arabal as an event represents the smelters of the Arab region and showcases their contribution to the global aluminium industry. They stressed on various factors that will make it one of the leading aluminium producing regions within the next decade. They also highlighted the fact that the aluminium industry is growing to be one of the most essential industries in the economy of these countries leading to the development and growth of the downstream sector as well.
“Alba is proud to host the 8th edition of Arabal 2014 and it will be a great opportunity for Bahrain to highlight its excellence in aluminum downstream,” Eline Hilal from Aluminium Bahrain, said.
Talking about aluminium prices, Eline said the prices were decided by London Metal Exchange (LME) on daily basis, however, despite lower prices the demand of aluminium is still growing.
Earlier this month, Alba had announced Ma’aden – Saudi Arabian Mining Company as the Gold Sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mills Company (GARMCO) as the Silver sponsors for Arabal 2014.
Alba also highlighted the other sponsors for Arabal 2014 – Qatalum, RioTinto Alcan, Sohar Aluminium and one of Bahrain’s leading downstream companies Midal CablesLtd.
Arabal 2014 it is expected to attract more than 700 delegates to the Kingdom of Bahrain including key decision makers and industry leaders from all sectors of the aluminium industry in the region and across the world.