Mideast aluminium spend to reach $55bn

　　Aluminium production in the region is expected to surge to 9 million tonnes per year to account for between 15 and 17 per cent of global output, as investments in the sector climb to a projected $55 billion in 2022.

　　The GCC is estimated to have already invested around $17.3 billion into aluminium projects, with member states collectively producing around 3.6 million tonnes of the commodity a year to account for almost 10 per cent of the world’s total aluminium output, said the organisers of an upcoming aluminium event in Dubai.

　　Formerly known as Aluminium Dubai, the third edition of Aluminium Middle East, the leading exhibition for aluminium products, technologies and investments in the region, will be held from April 23 to 25, 2013 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

　　The aluminium industry is highly anticipating the event, which will feature the expansion and investment plans of the Gulf’s key players and provide a robust platform for expanding market reach within the region.

　　Organised by Reed Exhibitions, the show is expected to gather more than 3,500 prominent industrial and manufacturing sector delegates from over 70 countries to deliver a comprehensive mix of industry expertise, technologies and networking opportunities.

　　“Thanks to a region-wide thrust towards diversification, the aluminium sector has become a major catalyst for economic activity throughout the Gulf,” said Tarek Ali, show manager of Aluminium Middle East 2013.

　　“Aluminium Middle East has never failed to provide valuable insights on where the industry is, what issues and challenges it faces, and what directions it should take moving forward. In its latest iteration, the show will once again provide guidance for investors, industry players and decision makers to plot their next moves within the region’s thriving aluminium industry.”

　　Among the key attractions of Aluminium Middle East 2013 are several events designed to serve exhibitors and visitors, enabling them to benefit from the strong presence of some of the most important producers and global manufacturers under one roof.

　　The programme includes technical seminars, featuring presentations and case studies presented by several exhibitors, highlighting the latest innovative technologies that contribute to the growth of the aluminium industry.

　　Additionally, the B2B event will present for the first time an interactive platform for exhibitors and visitors to have direct contact and benefit from integrated communication services that will allow exhibitors and visitors to achieve their goals and address common concerns.