Even as Dubai continues to drive the regional trade in hardware and tools, being at the nerve center of a $1.5 billion annual trade, international interest in the region continued to increase, as can be seen by the strong industry response to the recently-concluded Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016. A total of 2,907 regional trade buyers and construction industry professionals attended Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016, as they sourced the latest solutions for their businesses from 184 exhibitors. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: "Hardware+Tools Middle East is a critical platform where manufacturers can get deeper into this fast-growing regional market, while offering buyers an insight into the latest technical innovations that can help them boost their business productivity in any industry, whether construction, utilities, aviation, or automotive." The premier dedicated trade show for hardware, tools, machinery and materials in the wider region, was busy throughout its three-day run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, as exhibitors and visitors alike expressed a positive market outlook on the back of steady demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors, along with home DIY. The positivity was reinforced by the latest figures released by Dubai Customs at the event, which indicated that Dubai's thriving import, export, and re-export market for hardware and tools was valued at $1.56 billion in 2015. The USA was Dubai's top trading partner for the year, with $239 million worth of trade, followed by China ($203 million), Italy ($131 million), Germany ($94 million), and Saudi Arabia ($67 million). Manufacturers from these countries were also prominent at Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016, including American companies Channellock, FiberFix, and Ajustco; Italian brands Vipa and Tecnotubi Picena; and German manufacturers Bosch, Knipex, and Wiha. Knipex was another German exhibitor at Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016 showcasing its range of professionals pliers, including end cutters, diagonal cutters, combination pliers, waterpump pliers, cable cutting, stripping and crimping pliers. With country pavilions from China, Taiwan, and Thailand, Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016 proved a vital sourcing platform for distributors, contractors, engineers, facilities managers, and traders from throughout the wider region. Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016 showcased more than 250 brands from 11 countries, and included an Expert Zone, a dedicated area showcasing the latest innovative solutions shaping the future of tools used for all types of industries, from construction and oil & gas, to outdoor landscaping and DIY solutions.
