Aluminium exports from the UAE had shown a year-on-year increase by 102 per cent in the first half of 2012, Frost & Sullivan (F&S) said.

The aluminium exports are expected to be robust in the future as well thereby becoming one of the key non-oil industry sector in the UAE.

The Emirates Aluminium (Emal) smelter with 0.75 million metric tonnes (MT) was commissioned in 2011. Emal's output is marketed by Dubai Aluminium (Dubal). This new facility has been a key contributor to the exports of aluminium.

The GCC has become a hub of aluminium industry and is well established in the global aluminium map as the source for quality and reliable supply of aluminium. The UAE smelters have leveraged this advantage for penetrating into the global aluminium market.

The UAE aluminium capacity is expanding further with Emal's second phase expansion plans to raise its total annual output to 1.3mmt.