April 28, 2019 - Dubai, UAE:  A welding competition along with a conference on 3D printing and additive manufacturing are among the new features lined up for the Middle East and Africa’s dedicated trade fair for hardware, tools, construction materials and machinery in Dubai this June. 

The 20th edition of Hardware + Tools Middle East will take place from 10-12 June 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East confirming new highlights for the benefit of thousands of regional construction contractors, fit-out firms, steel fabricators, traders, importers and distributors. 

This year, the Middle East’s Best Welder competition is the first of its kind in the region, inviting technical professionals in steel fabrication and welding to three days of intense competition held in partnership with the Middle East Industrial Training Institute (MEITI).

The two-day Additive Manufacturing Middle East Conference is another new highlight this year, where international front-runners in 3D printing for the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, ship building and automotive industries will share their insights into the future of this fast-growing technology. 

That’s in addition to the exhibition itself, where more than 115 participating exhibitors from across the globe will present their latest products latest tools, hardware, materials and machinery for regional business owners, and professionals in the construction, fabrication and technical industries.

The likes of TATA Agrico, Murata Machinery, Schunk Group, and Scherer Group are among the more than 100 manufacturers and suppliers, eager to tap into Dubai’s status as a key importer and exporter of hardware, tools, and machinery.  

According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate’s trade for hardware and tools in 2017 was worth US$1.3 billion.  That includes imports (US$925 million), along with exports and re-exports (US$378 million), into neighbouring countries of items such as rock drilling or earth boring interchangeable hand tools, mountings, fittings and non-household hand tools.

“Industry  professionals  involved  in  the  supply  of  equipment  to  or  the design, construction, build or specification of commercial or residential developments understand the importance of keeping up to date with new products, services and technology in the field,” said Dishan Isaac, Show Director for Hardware + Tools Middle East.

“Hardware + Tools Middle East is the perfect platform to meet new contacts, discuss trends and technological developments, and source new products and solutions.  As is customary, we’ve added new highlights this year, and we’re confident the Middle East’s Best Welder competition and the Additive Manufacturing Middle East Conference will be hugely popular among regional industry professionals.”