The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is estimated to have already invested around Dhs17.3bn into aluminium projects, with member states collectively producing around 3.6 million tones of the commodity a year to account for almost 10% of the world's total aluminium output.

Production is expected to surge to 9 million tons per year to account for between 15 and 17% of global output, as regional investments into the aluminium sector steadily climb to a projected Dhs55bn in 2022.

Leading the Gulf's aluminium activities is the UAE which has been the source of nearly 47% of the region's investments into the versatile metal. Given its top status in the Gulf's aluminium trade, the UAE will be the ideal setting for Aluminium Middle East 2013, the third edition of the leading exhibition for aluminium products, technologies and investments in the Middle East. Formerly known as Aluminium Dubai, Aluminium Middle East is one of several global aluminium events overseen by Reed Exhibitions. The show will be held from April 23 to 25, 2013 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The aluminium industry is highly anticipating the event, which will feature the expansion and investment plans of the Gulf's key players and provide a robust platform for expanding market reach within the region. It is expected to gather more than 3,500 prominent industrial and manufacturing sector delegates from over 70 countries to deliver a comprehensive mix of industry expertise, technologies and networking opportunities.

"Thanks to a region-wide thrust towards diversification, the aluminium sector has become a major catalyst for economic activity throughout the Gulf. Aluminium Middle East has never failed to provide valuable insights on where the industry is, what issues and challenges it faces, and what directions it should take moving forward. In its latest iteration, the show will once again provide guidance for investors, industry players and decision makers to plot their next moves within the region's thriving aluminium industry," said Tarek Ali, Show Manager of Aluminium Middle East 2013.

Among the key attractions of Aluminium Middle East 2013 are several events designed to serve exhibitors and visitors, enabling them to benefit from the strong presence of some of the most important producers and global manufacturers under one roof. The program includes technical seminars, featuring presentations and case studies presented by several exhibitors, highlighting the latest innovative technologies that contribute to the growth of the aluminium industry. Additionally, the B2B event will present for the first time an interactive platform for exhibitors and visitors to have direct contact and benefit from integrated communication services that will allow exhibitors and visitors to achieve their goals and address common concerns.