The twentieth session of the Arab International Aluminium Conference "ARABAL" 2016 was hosted in Dubai by EMAL from 22 to 24 November, 2016. ARABAL is the premium trade event for the Middle East's aluminium industry and the only conference attended by every primary smelter in the region. The conference is hosted annually in one of the regional States.
The ARABAL 2016 Conference was hosted under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. Alongside the conference, more than 48 exhibitors and 500 participants from over 20 countries were present. This year, the Conference focused on recent market analysis under the title: “Global Challenges – Seeking Solutions” discussing the ever growing importance of sustainability and environmental consideration in the aluminium industry.
Qatalum, one of the strategic sponsors of the event, was represented by a high-level delegation from its executive management, led by CEO, Khalid Mohammed Laram.
For Qatalum, the highlight of the event was being presented, by the Gulf Aluminium Council, the coordinating body that represents, promotes and protects the interests of the aluminium industry within the Gulf, with the Environmental Excellence Award. This award was in recognition of Qatalum’s continual effort to preserve the environment through using the latest advanced technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Mr. Khalid Mohammed Laram participated in the Industry Keynote Panel on the first day of the Conference. Discussions covered a number of topics, including energy prices and policies, primary activities, such as: expansion, products, financial aspects, raw materials and downstream development.
In a statement about Qatalum’s participation in ARABAL 2016 session, Mr. Khalid Mohammed Laram said, "ARABAL is a significant platform for Qatalum to highlight the company’s vision and aspirations, as a leading global smelter, supported by advanced technology and an ongoing commitment towards environment preservation. Through the participation in such events, Qatalum aims to promote the industrial sector in Qatar at the forefront of the State's efforts to diversify its economy."
Mr. Laram added, "This year's conference has witnessed an exceptional level of cooperation, knowledge and exchange of experience among experts and industry participants from the Gulf and beyond. We will spare no effort to cooperate with our peers and partners in order to enhance the quality of our products and continue our competitive efforts in the global market."
On the second day of the Conference Dr Mufeed Odeh, Sustainability Consultant at Qatalum, made a presentation on the environmental considerations for the sustainable aluminium industry. He focused on means to control the emissions associated with energy generation and the sustainable disposal of by-products.
Olaf Wigstoel COO at Qatalum, made a speech on the overlap between operations and technology and the use of cutting-edge knowledge in industry operations to reduce overall business costs while raising efficiency, productivity and profits.
ARABAL once again served Qatalum as a platform from which it could interact with industry leaders, demonstrate its innovative operational and sustainability initiatives and look for solutions to overcome challenges in the foreseeable future.
