A welding competition along with a conference on 3D printing and additive manufacturing are among the new features lined up for the upcoming Hardware + Tools Middle East, a top trade fair for hardware, tools and machinery in Dubai, UAE.

The 20th edition of the event will take place from June 10 to 12 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 will be the first of its kind in the region, inviting technical professionals in steel fabrication and welding to three days of intense competition being 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 frontrunners in 3D printing for the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, shipbuilding and automotive industries will share their insights into the future of this fast-growing technology.

The exhibition itself will feature more than 115 participating exhibitors from across the globe, who will present their latest products, 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 in hardware and tools during 2017 was worth $1.3 billion.  That includes imports ($925 million), along with exports and re-exports ($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.”