Dubai success for "ARABAL 2001". (Industry News).

Deputy Ruler of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, welcomed over 500 delegates, speakers and guests during the opening ceremony of the Tenth Arab Aluminium Conference (ARABAL 2001), which was held 11-14 November in Dubai.

`This is the third

time o Dubai has hosted ARABAL since the first conference held in Kuwait in 1983,' said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan during his opening address. `Like the conference, Dubai, DUBAL and the Middle East's aluminium industry have grown in leaps and bounds during the last two decades. At the same time, aluminium smelting has played, and continues to play, a critical role with respect to diversification and adding value to the economy.'

Delegates from around the world heard from international experts on a variety of issues, ranging from global economic forecasts and technical developments to environmental issues during the 4-day conference.

His Excellency Mohamed Alabbar, Vice Chairman of DUBAL Nick Madden, Vice President, Purchasing and Metal Management, Alcan Fabrication Europe, and Dr Naji Abi Aad, Senior Middle East Advisor, Observatoire Mediterraneen de l'Energie, spoke in the opening panel session, chaired by DUBAL's ceo, John Boardman. The session focussed on the international and regional outlook for the aluminium industry.

`The Gulf region is well positioned to supply aluminium to major world markets now and in the future,' said H.E. Mohammed Alabbar. `We have the resources available, capital, infrastructure, technology and human resources, as well as a proven track record of successful expansion and low cost operation. That's why the Gulf is so important to the aluminium industry worldwide.'

Alabbar called for the Gulf region to triple capacity by 2010, saying the industry adds value to Gulf energy resources, diversifies its economies, creates wealth and jobs, and enhances the region's business capabilities overall.

A full report on the event will be included in the January/February 2002 edition of `Aluminium International Today'.