Aluminum Middle East, the largest event of its kind in the region, will once again showcase the Middle East's growing industry at its 5th edition slated on May 15-17, 2017 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The exhibition will feature more than 200 exhibitors from 30 countries, and is expected to attract over 3,500 industry professionals from over 90 countries. This year, the Middle East posted the second highest year-on-year demand growth globally during the first quarter at +5.8% and the world now has its eyes set on witnessing how the GCC will continue to thrive in a post-oil world, with aluminum as one of the major economy drivers. This regional growth is a major contributor to a growing global demand for aluminum which is estimated to reach 70 million metric tonnes per year by 2020. "Bringing together key frontrunners of the aluminum industry from all over the world, the biennial Aluminum Middle East exhibition is once again expected to become a gateway for companies and professionals to collaborate and tap into the region's multi-billion-dollar industry," said Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the official organizers of Aluminum Middle East. The event aims to highlight the Middle East's future role as the world's powerhouse in aluminum production. Together with suppliers of technologies and accessories for aluminum production, processing and refinement, there will also be facilitated discussions on uplifting the downstream sectors to support this phenomenal growth in upstream industries. The 2017 show will feature six international pavilions (Germany, Italy, India, China, North America and Egypt) and two new dedicated zones (Occupational Safety and SMEs) meant to underscore how the Gulf Cooperation Council will focus on other related sectors, in order to diversify their economies to ease their dependence on energy revenues. "Aluminum Middle East is a much-anticipated event for industry players to meet potential business partners, investors, and collaborators. After successfully establishing itself as a key industry event, and banking on the immense growth potential of the aluminum sector in the Middle East, more exhibitors from the region and the rest of the world are expected to join, giving event participants a wider net to cast," said Qureshi. Over 3,500 visitors are expected from over 70 countries at the 2017 edition, demonstrating the increased focus on global opportunities in this sector. "As one of the biggest gatherings for aluminum professionals and a leading exhibition in the Middle East, we aim to exchange knowledge with key industry players, identify new opportunities in regards to entering new markets, and potentially introduce new products down the line. Our participation at Aluminum Middle East will also be a great occasion for us to meet existing and prospective customers," said John MacNamara, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, GARMCO, exhibiting at the event. As the Arab world's largest Aluminum producer Dubai is the ideal platform for the global industry to converge, as the Emirate boasts an extensive industrial and manufacturing base, offering immense growth opportunity for global industry players. With the recently launched Dubai Industrial Strategy, the United Arab Emirates is boosting its economic competitiveness and new initiatives include six priority sub-sectors, including aluminum and fabricated metals, which have been chosen in line with the UAE's vision for sustainable progress in the post-oil era. Development in these sectors is expected to create an environment that prioritizes knowledge, science and research and will help transform the UAE into a global platform for innovative industries and a destination of choice for international companies seeking growth and sustainability. The UAE government has identified seventy-five initiatives that it will fund, anticipating massive growth in the industrial sector and creating 27,000 new jobs. "The Gulf is one of the leading areas for the aluminum industry and Aleastur is the major supplier of AlTiB grain refiners in the region. Our presence at the Aluminum Middle East Exhibition will demonstrate Aleastur's commitment to GCC customers and strengthen our growing position," Leopoldo Galan, COO & CCO, ALEASTUR, an exhibitor. "The UAE is focused on growing the aluminum industry, and for us this is the perfect meeting place for both industry frontrunners and those who are only getting their foot in the door—to meet each other, learn the latest developments together, and hopefully, work together. Each year, we witness how these new alliances grow into strong business partnerships," said Nehme Shehab, Show Manager of Aluminum Middle East. — SG
