DUBAI: Thousands of regional industrial infrastructure and construction sector professionals converged at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 19th edition of Hardware + Tools Middle East 2018, which opened on Monday 2nd April.
Gareth Wright, Head of Public Relations at Messe Frankfurt, Middle East organisers of the event, says the continued growth in the consumption of steel in the region has also led to a corresponding rise in demand for quality steel fabrication and metal working tools and systems, which this year has become a special focus at Hardware + Tools Middle East.
Gareth says the three-day Messe Frankfurt organised event features 117 exhibitors from nine countries representing over 130 brands.
The annual event was officially inaugurated by Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
“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,” says Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s trade for hardware and tools was valued at AED4.8 billion in 2017 according to figures released on Monday 2nd April, 2018 by Dubai Customs, as the Middle East’s dedicated exhibition for hardware, tools, and machinery gets underway.
According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported AED3.4 billion worth of hardware and tools last year, while exports and re-exports into neighbouring countries were valued at AED1.39 billion.
With AED760 million worth of trade each, the USA and China were Dubai’s top hardware and tools trading partners in 2017, followed by Italy (AED467 million), Germany (AED307 million), and India (AED205 million). The five top trading country partners comprised 52 percent of total hardware and tools trade with Dubai in 2017, says Dubai Customs.
Rock drilling or earth boring interchangeable hand tools for the construction sector was the biggest contributor, valued at AED941 million, a 19.6 per cent share of the total value.
Other high-trading categories included mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for buildings (AED406 million), automatic door closers (AED277 million), and non-household hand tools (AED198 million).
Headline returning exhibitors this week include Middle East Fuji, the regional distributor for German brands Metabo and Knipex, and Nitto Kohki Power tools from Japan. Another is Dar Al Mas, the sole local distributor for German hand tool manufacturer Wiha.
A number of prominent brands and distributors are also making their first foray at Hardware + Tools Middle East 2018, including DMG MORI Technology from Japan, Junco Trading, mrUsta, Narex, Arwani Trading, Passtech Machine Tools, Golden Sands Abrasives, and Pro Arc.
Hardware + Tools Middle 2018 returns with the popular Tool It! Challenge, where the UAE’s most skilled tool operators do battle in a live competition, testing skill, speed and smarts across metal and wood working categories.
Top brands are also delivering live demonstrations at the three-day event’s Expert Zone, a dedicated area showcasing the latest innovative solutions and machine tools shaping the future of all types of industries, from fabrication and metal working to oil & gas and outdoor landscaping.

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