MEP products to go on display at Hardware and Tools in 2008

The event is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25th to 27th May 2008.

"Now in its ninth year, Hardware and Tools Middle East exhibition could not have come at a more opportune time with booming construction activity in the Gulf fueled by soaring oil prices. Buildings and other real estate projects currently underway are valued at Dhs8.8 trillion," said Eckhard Pruy, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organizers of Hardware & Tools Middle East. "On display at the three-day event will be the latest variety of mechanical, electrical and plumbing products from all over the world."

Pruy added that the market for machine tools in the GCC is expected to rise by around 39% over the next five years. Demand for machine tools is forecast to rise from Dhs11.4bn ($3.1bn) this year to Dhs15.7bn ($4.3bn) by 2012. The increase will be driven by the massive investments in manufacturing being made by GCC countries.

According to industry research, construction projects in excess of Dhs8.8 trillion are now underway. The majority of these developments are being carried out in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The biggest construction project underway in the region is the King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia valued at Dhs440.4bn ($120bn). This is followed by Dubailand in the UAE, valued at Dhs403.7bn, and the Dhs315.6bn Silk City Project in Kuwait. When additional developments currently at the early planning or concept stage are also taken into account, the Gulf countries account for a total of 3,519 projects worth Dhs9.27trillion.

"This massive construction activity and multi-bn dollar projects present an unprecedented opportunity for hardware, power and hand held tools and machinery suppliers and manufacturers. The region has continuously maintained its pace of double-digit economic growth. Thus, for manufacturers and suppliers of these products, this is a perfect time to look into ways of expanding their product base in the region," said Mr. Gavin Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Hardware & Tools Middle East.

Visitors to this year's exhibition will witness the latest trends in the different construction sectors; segments that include plumbing, mechanical, electrical, woodworking and engineering. "To make the show responsive and relevant to the needs of all stakeholders, exhibitors, buyers, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers an advisory panel has been formed. The panel members are Bosch, 3M, Milwaukee, UAE contractors Association, UAE society of Engineers, Makita and Arwani Trading," said Gavin Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Hardware and Tools Middle East.

Mr. Morlini added that the Hardware and Tools trade fair has gone from strength to strength each year. "Over the three days of this year's show, we anticipate that there will be more than 8,000 visitors attending from across the world.

Some of the exhibitors representing hardware, tools, mechanical, electrical and plumbing sectors are Bosch , Stanely Tools, and Groz.

This year Hardware and Tools Middle East will run in conjunction with four other shows; ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East, Light Middle East, International CES/hometech and the Garden and Landscaping Middle East exhibition. More than 18,000 visitors are expected to visit the five shows over the three days.