Aluminum has always been part of the solution, and it’s a big part of my story. I spent 17 years with Alcoa, culminating with leading the upstream business for three years. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to manage one of the world’s largest aluminum smelting, bauxite mining and alumina refining systems. I remember those days very fondly and that’s why I’m happy to be working in this industry again with Ma’aden, Saudi Arabia’s mining champion. Growing out of the desert just ten years ago, Ma’aden now operates the world’s lowest cost fully integrated aluminum production complex in Ras Alkhair in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Aluminum has changed the world since its discovery in the 19^th century. It triggered many technological developments and became a part of modern living. In fact, back in the day, aluminum was considered a precious metal of sorts. It was so valuable that when the US government wanted to place a precious metal at the top of the Washington Monument in 1884, they chose aluminum because of its natural shine and high production cost. The monument tip stands in good shape to this day.

As the world urbanized, aluminum was instrumental in growing economies and providing solutions for many of our problems – transportation, aviation and construction to name a few. Today, as the world makes changes to achieve the global energy transition, aluminum can also be part of the solution. It’s durable and versatile, yet lightweight and malleable. It’s also one of the most recycled materials on earth with a recycling efficiency rate of 76%.

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and corrosion resistant. This makes it a future-ready metal that will be an essential part of a global circular economy.

Global demand for aluminum is already set to increase by almost 40% by 2030. This is why, at Ma’aden, we’ve invested over SAR 42 billion to grow our integrated aluminum value chain, all while reducing our GHG emissions. Despite the significant growth in our production, we’ve also managed to significantly reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO² emissions.

I strongly believe that aluminum is a sustainable metal that will be the component of choice for building the vehicles and infrastructure of the future. This is in addition to it being a crucial element of many sustainable energy sources like offshore wind power and electric vehicle batteries.

I can’t wait to see all the innovation the aluminum industry will be leading in the decades to come. This November, we are hosting the aluminum industry leaders in Riyadh for the Arab International Aluminum Conference and Exhibition (Arabal). I’m looking forward to seeing the latest innovations in the arena from around the world.

After working and living in Saudi Arabia for almost two years now, I can see the great potential this region has, and the endless opportunities for businesses, investors and job seekers. I really believe that Saudi Arabia can serve as a great aluminum production hub. It sits strategically on the world map, at the intersection of important international trade routes between three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa. We have low-cost energy, great logistics and infrastructure, a talented and motivated workforce—along with a visionary 2030 transformation agenda. Saudi is the place to be.

I look forward to welcoming everyone to Riyadh in November. The future is here!