Qatalum, the state of the art aluminum smelter being built as JV between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro in line with Qatar's long term economic diversification strategy will be participating in and sponsoring the second biennial Aluminum Dubai exhibition, taking place from May 9th to 11th 2011 at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Aluminum Dubai 2011 is the leading exhibition for aluminum products, technologies and investments in the Middle East, and serves as a regional platform that brings together international industry leaders, aluminum components and suppliers of technologies and accessories for aluminum production, processing and refinement.

Through the effective use of leading technology and expertise, Qatalum is becoming a sustainable economic catalyst at the heart of turning Qatar's gas energy into a valuable commodity solid aluminum and is well on its way to creating a strong, knowledge based industry. As the smelter continues with the ramp up to full production later this year, Qatalum management is looking to events such as Aluminum Dubai 2011 to meet with other industry players, particularly those in the downstream market which is one of the areas on which it plans to focus once it is fully operational.

Aluminum Dubai 2011 will bring together decision makers from companies operating in the GCC and MENA region in aluminum related industries, focusing on the region's fast-growing role in the global aluminum industry and highlighting the investment plans of new smelters and the expansions of existing regional market players from GCC countries.

Qatalum is a state of the art Greenfield aluminum smelter that was constructed as 50:50 JV between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro in line with Qatar's long term economic diversification strategy.

With Phase I production capacity of 585,000 tonnes per year which will increase to 1.2 million tonnes per year upon implementation of the Phase II Qatalum will enable Qatar to contribute a significant portion towards GCC aluminum production.