Held under the Patronage of Gulf Aluminum Council (GAC), the Gulf Aluminum Dinner (GAD), an exclusive by-invitation-only event that reflects the importance of the Gulf region as an emerging hub in the global aluminium industry, came to a successful close yesterday.

This prestigious event was held in Oman for the first time and was hosted by Sohar Aluminium at Al Bustan Palace Muscat on 5th February 2014. The GAD was graced by the presence of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad bin Tariq Al Said as the chief guest and a number of other dignitaries from across the government and private sector of Oman.

The dinner saw over 250 invitees comprising of leaders from the Aluminium industry gathered to celebrate the success of the Gulf's Aluminium industry, and to build and strengthen the existing relationship between regional and international organizations with Aluminium business interests across the Gulf.

Mr. Garry Jones – CEO, London Metal Exchange, (LME), delivered the keynote address during which he highlighted the challenges facing the aluminium industry globally and the key role that the aluminium producers in the Gulf region could play in the future.

Speaking on the significance of the event, SA Chairman Mr Mulham Al Jarf said, "The Middle East is emerging as a major primary Aluminium producing region, and the industry is only just starting to realize its full potential. Sohar Aluminium is amongst the few new Aluminium projects in the Gulf region to have started since 2004, and it has proven to be a sustainable economic catalyst that is at the heart of turning Oman's energy into a valuable commodity – solid Aluminium."

"Since its inception, SA has been expanding and establishing milestones in the aluminium industry. We are well on our way to creating and building a strong, knowledge-based industry in Oman and the region, and events such as this dinner allow industry leaders to come together and share experiences, knowledge and the Vision for the future. We are proud that we have been able to place the Sultanate of Oman on the global aluminium map," The Chairman added.

The GAD guests which includes International delegates, most of which are visiting Oman for the first time, will also be treated to a classical music performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat today giving Sohar Aluminium an opportunity to showcase one of the finest examples on Oman’s architectural landscape.

The Gulf Aluminium Council is a coordinating body that represents, promotes and protects the interests of the aluminium industry within the Gulf, with a Board comprising the CEOs of the six founding member companies: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal), Emirates Aluminium (Emal), Sohar Aluminium (Sohar) in Oman, the Saudi Mining Company (Ma'aden) and Qatar Aluminium (Qatalum). Its main objectives are to provide a forum to develop strategies for common issues and concerns facing the aluminium industry in the region, and to share best practices so as to improve the efficiency of the industry.

Sohar Aluminium which is a part of the Gulf Aluminium Council, and the lead sponsor for the GAD, was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman. Jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto Alcan, Sohar Aluminium has won global acclaim for its superior, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient technology