Arabal puts focus on aluminium industry’s role in diversification Challenges
Over 12 sessions, 66 speakers will offer insights into the sustainable growth of the region’s aluminium industry
MUSCAT: Delegates from across the globe attended the opening day of the 2017 Arab International Aluminium Conference (Arabal), a forum for growing the country’s aluminium industry.
The event is being held at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat, from November 6 to 9. Arabal 2017 will feature 12 sessions, each dedicated to a subject of vital significance to the global industry. The detailed pro- gramme agenda set out for the three-day event includes panel discussions, case studies and research papers presented by 66 speakers, comprising leading executives and experts from a cross- section of industries, offering insights into the sustainable growth of the region’s aluminium industry as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry.
Some 550 delegates from 35 countries have registered to participate in Arabal 2017 – a testament to its reputation as a showcase of the region’s rapidly evolving aluminium smelting prowess. The event’s reception further highlights Sohar Aluminium’s emergence as a leader in industry-related expertise.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, Assistant Secretary General of the Council of Ministers for Conferences, Sohar Aluminium kicked off the event. After the official inauguration by HH Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, a series of remarks by high-profile attendees was made.
H.H. Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Assistant Secretary General for the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, delivered the event’s keynote address, focusing on the role the aluminium industry will play in the Sultanate’s ongoing diversification efforts. Kicking off the event was Mohammad Al Naki, the Founder and Chairman of the Arab International Aluminium Conference, who stated, “On a similar note, I would like to thank Sohar Aluminium, represented by Mr. Mulham Al-Jurf, the Chairman, and Sohar Aluminium’s CEO, Eng. Said Al Masoudi, for hosting this year’s edition of Arabal.”
As the host of this year’s edition, Said Al Masoudi took the stage next to welcome all stakeholders to Oman, noting, “While, like any industry, we have our fair share of challenges, including rapidly changing market prices and a changing surplus within the market, today is the ideal opportunity to discover the most sustainable way forward.”