ALBA has unveiled the agenda for the 18th International Arab Aluminium (Arabal) Conference, which will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain in late November in the kingdom.

Arabal 2014 takes place at the Gulf Hotel from November 25 to 27 under the theme, “GCC: An Aluminium Power House.” HRH Prince Khalifa will open the Arabal exhibition on Day 2.

Arabal chairman Mohammed Naqi will present the opening address on Day 2, followed by an introductory speech by the chairman of Alba’s Board of Directors, Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al Khalifa, and the welcome address by Alba’s chief executive officer, Tim Murray.

Topics for Arabal 2014 focus on the current developments in the aluminium industry and the aluminium smelters in the GCC and their positions on the global aluminium map.

The Arabal 2014 agenda features sessions, workshops, panel discussions and presentations by key industry personnel and includes key discussions such as the LME 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 of the three-day event include a plant tour of Alba for the delegates (Day 1) with the aim of creating awareness about the company’s aluminium process and operations, as well as demonstrating its safety, health and environment model. On Day 2, CEOs of all Gulf smelters will speak about their companies’ strategies and experiences and there will be a Maaden presentation on the contribution to automotive development in the GCC. The agenda for the day includes GAC (Gulf Aluminium Council) safety awards. On Day 3 there will be a presentation on Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)’s contribution to GCC development and a speech by the LME CEO as well as a talk by Alba’s CEO on the company’s safety journey.

Commenting on the conference, Murray said: “Arabal 2014 will deliver engaging and informative content for the aluminium industry, which will raise awareness about the business and enhance communication among various industry players. It will also provide aluminium companies multiple networking opportunities and prospects to forge new partnerships.”

He said Alba was privileged to host Arabal 2014 under the patronage of the Prime Minster, HRH Prince Khalifa. “This event will showcase Bahrain as an investment-friendly destination and highlight the contribution of the aluminium sector and downstream industries towards the economy of the kingdom.”

Arabal is well-known as one of the leading events for the Middle East’s aluminium industry and the only conference attended by every single primary aluminium manufacturer in the region. The 2014 event is expected to attract more than 700 delegates including key decision-makers and industry leaders from all sectors of the aluminium industry in the region and across the world

Arabal began in 1983 with Kuwait Aluminium Co bringing together the leading figures in Middle East aluminium to strengthen ties, discuss issues of the day and provide an overview about the entire aluminium industry. Over the past three decades, it has become an event of international repute, bringing together leaders from the aluminium industry across the world.