Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) demonstrated its commitment to the development of the Middle East as a global aluminium hub through its role as silver sponsor at the recently concluded Arab International Aluminium Conference (Arabal 2014) in Bahrain.

Through its midstream assets, EGA has been involved in Arabal since the inaugural event in 1983, said a statement.

Its operating assets – Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) and Emirates Aluminium (Emal) – have hosted five Arabal events in the UAE.

The UAE aluminium leader showcased, at the event, its vision, technology and brand values.

Abdulla Kalban, managing director and chief executive officer, was a key speaker during a panel discussion by the CEOs of GCC smelters; and Walid Al Attar, chief marketing officer, delivered a keynote address on ‘Why the aluminium markets stand at a crossroad - tough challenges and critical decisions.’

Frank Briganti, senior vice president at EGA, and the chairman of the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC) EHS Committee, delivered a presentation on environment and sustainability in the GCC aluminium industry; and hosted the GAC Environment and Safety Awards.

“EGA’s commitment to the advancement of the global aluminium industry and the role of the Middle East as an important hub across the value chain is a vital part of our philosophy,” said Kalban.

“EGA is the fifth largest primary aluminium producer in the world and currently accounts for about 50 per cent of the total production in the GCC region. This, together with our investments in upstream industry, underscores our vested interest in promoting the operational excellence and competitiveness of the GCC smelters to the rest of the world,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service