Mena construction sector to see 43% growth by ’20

DUBAI / Emirates Business

The stage is set for the return of the Middle East’s only dedicated trade fair for tools, hardware, materials, and machinery next month in Dubai, as global manufacturers and local suppliers keep all eyes on a regional construction market that’s well on the road to recovery.
More than 160 exhibitors are expected to take part in the 19th edition of Hardware & Tools Middle East, as a resurgent regional construction sector — a key driver of demand for power tools and machinery — keeps spirits high for a strong growth phase over the next five years.
According to a BMI Research report, the Middle East and North African construction market is expected to be worth $336 billion by 2020, up from $235 billion in 2016, a net growth of 43 percent.
Stabilised oil prices have eased pressure on governments’ budgets and as a result new infrastructure and commercial projects are being flagged off in addition to ongoing projects associated with the Dubai Expo 2020 and many others such as Kuwait’s International Airport expansion.
Add to that other burgeoning sectors such as aviation, aerospace, industrial, marine, agricultural, metal and wood-working – and even the home DIY sector – and demand for reliable hand and power tools and equipment to get jobs done should be on the rise.
That’s the expectation from global manufacturers and channel suppliers exhibiting in next month’s Hardware + Tools Middle East trade fair, which takes place from April 2 – 4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to the exhibition’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, many exhibitors are returning this year, while a number of newcomers have entered the fray to present their solutions to wide cross-section of potential regional trade buyers and end-users.
“We’re optimistic about the renewed positive sentiment that prevails in the regional hardware and tools market, and this is borne out by not only a resurgent construction sector, but by Dubai’s position as a key trading partner for this segment with global economic powerhouses such as USA, China, Italy, Germany, and India,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
“According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported, exported, and re-exported AED5.07 billion worth of hardware and tools in 2016, and the total trade with these countries comprised 52 percent of that figure.
“Hardware & Tools Middle East not only provides exhibitors comprehensive access to a wide spectrum of the most influential buyers from this burgeoning region, but also gives them a snapshot of the trends and requirements that are unique to this market,” Pauwels added.
Hardware & Tools Middle East is a magnet for trade buyers from across the Middle East and North Africa, including distributors, retailers, exporters, importers, contractors, fabricators, consultants and industry professionals involved in the construction and industrial sectors.