The 22nd Arab International Cement Conference and Exhibition (AICCE22) was held at the International Congress Center, Maritim Jolie Ville, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, between 14-16 November 2017, attended by 450 delegates from over 30 nations. An international exhibition with 119 stands was the main focus of the event, supported by a comprehensive conference programme with 46 presentations dealing in the full range of cement manufacturing technologies.
The Arab cement sector in the Middle East and north Africa has faced continuing challenges in 2017, with areas of instability and economic weakness placing pressure on cement demand. Saudi Arabian demand fell 16.5 per cent in the first nine months of 2017 as the country grappled with economic reforms, while Syria and Yemen have seen the industry decimated through war. Egypt has also experienced negative growth in 2017, with demand off by seven per cent in the first half of the year.
