The GCC produced 14 million tonnes of pipes and tubes in 2013 with a domestic consumption of 2.5 million tonnes used for energy and infrastructure development, said the organisers of an upcoming industry conference in Dubai, UAE.

However, imports from China, India and Europe still accounted for more than 25 per cent of tube and pipe consumption in the GCC region last year, added Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, co-organisers of the conference Tube Arabia 2015 with German exhibition organiser Messe Dusseldorf.

The event will be held from January 10 to 13, 2015 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“As for the tube industry, the GCC and Middle East are proving to be increasingly attractive markets for international tube manufacturers. Some of the growth sectors include oil and gas technology, petrochemicals, water and electricity supply, drainage as well as construction,” Khanna said.

“Huge investments by the government as well as private sector have been made in this sector and more are in the pipeline. Landmark projects that would boost demand for tubes and pipes dramatically include the Expo 2020 and the Dubai Canal.”

Daniel Ryfisch, project manager, Messe Dusseldorf said: “Tube Arabia, the fifth international trade fair for industrial machines, metalworking, machine tools, tubes and pipes, has attracted a wide range of international and regional companies that will display latest technologies and solutions pertaining to this fast growing industry.”

“The UAE is regarded as the most important hub for trade between Europe and Asia. Huge investments in construction projects are dramatically driving the tubes industry in the UAE,” added Jeen Joshua, Group project manager of Tube Arabia 2015.

“The construction and manufacturing sectors are strong and important components of the Middle East's economic engine. Tube Arabia 2015 is where decision makers from the industry, technical experts, and global companies meet and do business. It is the right place to find target audience, customers, suppliers, and industry peers as well as competitors,” added Khanna.

“Tube Arabia will attract a cross-section of the world’s tube and pipe customers. The oldest show in the region is regarded as the ideal gateway to the extremely important Gulf and Middle East markets,” added Joshua. – TradeArabia News Service