Dubai is gearing up for the 18th edition of the three day Hardware+Tools Middle East Exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Running over 22-24 May 2017 and attracting regional buyers, largely interested in hand and power tools as well as building hardware and air tools, the show is one of the few dedicated trade fairs for tools, hardware, materials and machinery in the region.
The show represents key aspects of this ever-growing industry to network with international manufacturers and suppliers, with a variety of brands and cost ranges to evaluate the market.
The 2016 edition saw 180 exhibitors from 11 countries, including internationals brands like Bosch, Wiha, VIPA, AJust-Lock, FiberFix, KNIPEX, Uken and Channellock. The show welcomed over 2,900 exporters / importers, distributors, retailers, contractors, fabricators, consultants and industry professionals coming from the MENA region.
MATCHMAKING IN 2017
Hardware+Tools Middle East runs a business matchmaking programme to help visitors find and connect with the exhibiting companies most relevant to them before the show gets underway. The helpful feature works by visitors registering online who are then automatically profiled into the Business Matchmaking Programme. The Matchmaking service goes live soon.
This year’s show is also bringing in a new Tool It! Challenge – a live platform for tool operators to showcase their skills. The Tool It! Challenge is the Middle East’s first competition inviting contracting and fit-out firms, construction companies, or workshop owners, to nominate their most skilled technicians for an intensive test of will, as they grind, drill, and cut their way to glory among industry peers.
The challenge will comprise of two categories: Woodwork Routing and Screw Driving; and Metalworking, with leading professional tool manufacturers Bosch, 3M, and Nitto Kohki on board as category sponsors. Contestants will be given a set of electric power tools provided by the sponsors and made to perform similar activities over a given time frame. They will be evaluated by a jury panel, and adjudicated on fixed
parameters such as aesthetics, safety, and efficiency.
The 18th edition of the show is set to feature Country Pavilions from China, Thailand and Taiwan, and will host more than 185 exhibitors from 12 countries representing over 250 brands. The exhibition will also include the Expert Zone, a dedicated section featuring the most innovative products and solutions from leading manufacturers.
Trade buyers from both the Middle East and North Africa are expected to attend, including distributors, retailers, exporters, importers, contractors, fabricators, consultants and industry professionals involved in the construction and industrial sectors.