Aluminium Dubai 2011, one of the leading trade shows in the Middle East region that brings together global industry leaders, opened at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday.

Aluminium Dubai serves as a regional platform that draws key aluminium producers, processors and manufacturers of raw materials and end products with aluminium components as well as suppliers of technologies and accessories for aluminium production, processing and refinement.

Ahmad Al Tayer, governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) inaugurated the three-day event that features more than 150 exhibitors from across the globe.

Event organiser Reed Exhibitions said the second edition of the Aluminium Dubai is expected to draw more than 3,000 trade visitors from over 50 countries.

“Following the major success of the previous edition, this year's event has again received good response from regional and international exhibitors,' said Tarek Ali, show manager, Aluminium Dubai, Reed Exhibitions.

Aluminium indutsry players recognise the expo's significance in highlighting the emerging market opportunities and technological advancements in the sector, especially given that aluminum consumption by region’s construction industry is steadily growing,” he added.

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

In particular, construction projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar have been key growth markets that are driving the surge in demand for aluminium. 
 
Modar Al Mekdad, general manager of Gulf Extrusions, one of the key exhibitors, said, “We had participated in the inaugural edition as well and we have found this event to be an excellent platform to meet industry peers and get deeper insights about emerging market dynamics.'

'This year we will be demonstrating our broad capabilities, technological superiority and wide product portfolio to end users and trade visitors at the event,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service