Regional hardware & tools sector estimated to be worth AED 551 billion

The Gulf construction industry is estimated to be worth $750 billion with some media estimates putting the figure at around $1 trillion with the hardware and tools sector estimated at 20% of that figure, bringing the total industry size throughout the GCC to $150 billion (AED 551 billion).

"It is imperative that we create a platform for dialogue with industry leaders in the sector and provide a new direction for growth incorporating the woodworking and MEP sectors (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and promote more hydraulic, power tools and hand held tools,"

said Melanie Beese, Exhibition Manager Hardware & Tools Middle East.

With dates set for 13-15 May 2007, plans and preparations for the event are well under way and floor space has already been increased to accommodate the rise in exhibitor enquiries.

Prominent among those that attended the meeting included senior officials from Messe Frankfurt as well as industry attendees such as Michel Ghaoui from Bosch, Usman Ghani, Robert Vos from Milwaukee, Edward Soliman from UAE Contractors Association, Hani Arwani from Arwani Trading, Kaushik Laturkar,Suresh Srinivasan from Dewalt and S. Kumaran from 3M.

Hardware & Tools 2006 registered a 30% increase in participants from the last show. The 2007 exhibition looks set to be even bigger, judging by the positive response and feedback from exhibitors and potential exhibitors.

Hardware and Tools 2006 saw the whole range of industry equipment and services being demonstrated, with many well-known brands either displaying for the first time or taking the opportunity to showcase recently launched products. 3M Gulf Ltd. attended as a new exhibitor and presented their diverse array of adhesives, tapes and abrasives. Dewalt, the widely regarded number one brand of professional power tools in the United States, demonstrated three new power hammers, each with a revolutionary new system to reduce vibration. The appliances incorporate a floating handle that provides suspension from the main unit, allowing users to use the tools safely over a significantly longer period without compromising performance.

This years event will run in conjunction with five other shows; ISH Kitchen and Bath, Light Middle East, Hometech Middle East, Design Lifestyle and Garden & Landscaping Middle East. More than 18,000 visitors are expected to visit the six shows combined, making it the leading event of its kind in the region. "This year's Hardware and Tools exhibition will be the best yet", said Beese. "We are already expanding our exhibition space to accommodate the increasing number of exhibitors making enquiries and the higher than ever number of expected visitors to the event," she concluded.