MA’ADEN, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, has been named as the gold sponsor for the 18th International Arab Aluminium (Arabal) Conference to be held form November 25 to 27 at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), host of Arabal, also named Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mills Company (Garmco) as the silver sponsors.
Alba’s chief executive officer, Tim Murray, said: “Alba is truly privileged to host an event of international repute such as Arabal 2014, which will bring together the Middle East’s aluminium industry on a single platform. It is rewarding to have prominent industry leaders sponsor and participate in the event, as it is through such partnerships that we can share our experiences and strengthen our industry, as well as forge relationships for a better future.”
Arabal will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minster of Bahrain. The theme is “GCC: An aluminium powerhouse”.
Arabal chairman Mohammed Naqi will present an address on Day 2, followed by speeches by Alba’s chairman, Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al Khalifa, and Murray.
The agenda features sessions, workshops, panel discussions and presentations and includes a workshop on Day 1 on “Hedging your aluminium risk on the LME”. During the three-day event, there will be discussions on “Outlook for the global aluminium Industry”, “LME – today and tomorrow” and “Aluminium vs steel in automotive”. Other themes include “Bahrain at the heart of the aluminium downstream”, “Alumina and refined bauxite dynamics in a dynamic environment”, “Renewable energy”, “Sustainability and environment”, “Higher education – “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember”.
Highlights include a plant tour of Alba for delegates (Day 1). On Day 2, CEOs of all Gulf smelters will speak about their companies’ strategies and experiences and a Ma’aden presentation will be held on the contribution to automotive development in the GCC, among other topics. On Day 3 there will be a presentation on EGA’s contribution to GCC development and a speech by the London Metal Exchange CEO on LME issues and a talk by Alba’s CEO on the company’s safety journey.
