Gulf Construction Online - Aluminium show to reflect shine in sector

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Aluminium Dubai ... success guaranteed.

Aluminium show to reflect shine in sector

01 April 2011

CATERING to the spiralling regional demand for aluminium will be one of the key issues to be discussed at the second 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 next month (May 9 to 11) at Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and is expected to attract over 180 exhibitors from 24 countries around the world.

Launched in March 2009, the inaugural event had attracted 165 companies from 23 countries where 82 per cent were international industry players.

“Between 2009 and 2010, more than 1,300 companies participated in our international events which attracted more than 30,000 trade visitors,” says Tarek Ali, show manager.

“Although the event profile covers the whole value chain in the aluminium industry, this year’s event theme is primarily built around technologies in the upstream and midstream industries in the region. It continues to introduce new production technologies in the primary aluminium production and extrusion,” he says.

“So far, aluminium extraction machineries and equipment constitute 62 per cent of the exhibitors’ profile. However, extruded products for special application constitute 13 per cent of the currently participating products, which makes the show an attraction for aluminium fabricators and industrial manufacturers to source different technologies and products to serve their production lines with advanced technologies and equipment,” says Ali.

The show will also feature a host of leading names in the aluminium extrusion sector who produce different products for various industrial applications such as in the construction, automotive, engineering and the packaging industries.

Ali continues: “Aluminium Dubai 2011 creates opportunities and opens exciting possibilities for the world’s top aluminium companies and other key industry players to take advantage of the enormous growth potential of the GCC’s aluminium market. It will also help boost awareness about the benefits and strategic advantages of aluminium as a truly modern building material that can be used in all types of building and construction projects, including the world’s biggest and tallest structures.”

“Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar easily account for the majority of ongoing construction projects in the GCC and are likewise expected to continue to dominate the construction landscape in the future. The robust growth trend of the building and construction sector will definitely be a key factor in sustaining the strong demand for aluminium in the GCC,” said Mahmood Daylami, general secretary, Gulf Aluminium Council.

The GCC’s building and construction industry currently consumes up to 400,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, making it one of the biggest markets for aluminium products in the region.

According to Deloitte Middle East’s GCC Powers of Construction 2010 report, the UAE has 36 per cent – worth $958 billion – of total construction projects in the region, and is expected to see its construction industry grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6 per cent between 2010 and 2014.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, currently has a 38 per cent share of the total projects in the region, and is expected to launch contracts worth $86 billion in 2011. Currently, the kingdom has $624 billion worth of projects planned or under way. Qatar has a 15 per cent share, and the country has the biggest growth potential as its CAGR from 2010 to 2014 is estimated to reach 12 per cent.

Commenting on the benefits the event will offer to the participants, Ali says: “Considering it is the only exhibition in the region for the aluminium industry and being organised every two years, it provides a coherent educational and networking environment which enables regional and international technology providers and buyers meet face to face to discuss their interests. It serves as a refresh button of all information including new technologies, new applications, challenges, pricing and the updates of customer demands, which will boost the industry foreword in reliable environment.”

“Additionally because the show is part of the aluminium exhibitions organise around the world, it creates major positioning, he says. “Just think about the effect of having leaders of the aluminium industry meet yearly with a gap of three to four months, it keeps the industry fresh, innovative and lucrative. Today, our partners who exhibit in our international shows have the power to connect with quality buyers around the world and around the year, which gives them the advantage over other companies by increasing their international market share.”

This year’s show will feature the Innovation Podium programme hosting speakers from leading companies offering presentations on various technologies.

Last year’s edition gathered 165 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors from 61 countries.