The stage is set for the return of the Middle East-set trade fair for tools, hardware, materials, and machinery next month in Dubai, with a regional construction market that’s on the road to recovery.
More than 160 exhibitors are expected to take part in the 19th edition of Hardware + Tools Middle East.
According to a BMI Research report, the Middle East and North African construction market is expected to be worth US$336 billion by 2020, up from US$235 billion in 2016, a net growth of 43%.
Stabilised oil prices have eased pressure on governments’ budgets and as a result new infrastructure and commercial projects are being touted in addition to ongoing projects associated with the Dubai Expo 2020 and many others such as Kuwait’s International Airport expansion.
Add to that other burgeoning sectors such as aviation, aerospace, industrial, marine, agricultural, metal and wood-working – and even the home DIY sector – and demand for reliable hand and power tools and equipment to get jobs done should be on the rise, the show organisers say.
Next month’s Hardware + Tools Middle East trade fair, takes place from 2 – 4 April 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
According to the exhibition’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, many exhibitors are returning, while a number of newcomers have entered the fray to present their solutions to wide cross-section of potential regional trade buyers and end-users.
“We’re optimistic about the renewed positive sentiment that prevails in the regional hardware and tools market, and this is borne out by not only a resurgent construction sector, but by Dubai’s position as a key trading partner for this segment with global economic powerhouses such as USA, China, Italy, Germany, and India,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported, exported, and re-exported AED5.07 billion worth of hardware and tools in 2016, and the total trade with these countries comprised 52 percent of that figure.
“Hardware + Tools Middle East not only provides exhibitors comprehensive access to a wide spectrum of the most influential buyers from this burgeoning region, but also gives them a snapshot of the trends and requirements that are unique to this market.”
Wiha has plans in the wider Middle East and African market, as it looks to build on its existing partnership with Dar Al Mas that was initiated at the exhibition several years ago.
Ronny Lindskog, Chief Sales Officer at Wiha, explained: “Wiha will return to Hardware + Tools Middle East in 2018 to offer professional workers in the UAE and wider Middle East a wide range of high-quality premium tools, characterised by their use of the latest manufacturing technologies, application-oriented innovations, top quality, absolute reliability and long service life. We also plan to announce at the show a revolutionary invention in the field of fastening tools which will truly represent a quantum leap in the history of hand tools. Users can expect greater efficiency and better health with Wiha solutions thanks to maximum ergonomic standards and perfect safety in their everyday professional use.”
The 19th edition will feature Country Pavilions from China, Thailand and Taiwan, and will host more than 160 exhibitors from 12 countries representing over 200 brands.