The UAE’s finest carpenters, technicians, and expert operators stole the spotlight at the Middle East’s dedicated trade fair for hardware, tools, machinery, and materials in Dubai on 22-24 May. The Tool It! Challenge at Hardware + Tools Middle East 2017 invited contracting and fit-out firms, construction companies, and workshop owners, to nominate their most skilled technicians for an intensive test of will, as they ground and drilled their way to glory among industry peers.
All 48 of them responded in kind, showcasing their finely tuned skills, and undeterred by the growing crowds drawn to the live sound of machinery piercing wood and metal. The contenders were eventually separated from the pretenders during the one-day live competition which covered five categories: drilling and screwing for both wood and metal, and measuring.
It came down to the top three craftsmen for each category, with the final winners celebrated by their colleagues and professionals from the construction, technical, and fabrication industries.
Leading tool manufacturers Bosch, 3M, Hitachi, and Nitto Khoki were on board as category sponsors, presenting the champions with their prizes: the latest tool sets, measuring equipment, and accessories.
Taking home the spoils was Khalil Miah from Sarco Building Contracting Company, who won two categories: the Metal Drilling category by Nitto Khoki, and the Measuring Tools category sponsored by Bosch.
Other winners were Jagan Sekar from Al Fajer Contracting, who won the Metal Grinding by 3M category; Inderjit Singh from Divine Creations for Metal Screwing by Hitachi, and Nathu Sharma from Al Fajer, who took home the Wood Screwing Gold Medal, also sponsored by Bosch.
“The Inaugural Tool It! Challenge has proved to be a massive hit, and we’re delighted with the industry response to this inaugural competition,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Hardware + Tools Middle East.
“These men work tirelessly in building some of the UAE’s most loved landmarks, using skills and techniques needed to perform in the most extreme conditions. To see them showcase their skills live in front of their colleagues and industry peers is a unique spectacle.”
“This is something that’s never been done before, and it’s pleasing to see leading manufacturers get on board,” added Pauwels. “The competition also underlines the importance of having top quality dependable tools in order to ensure the safety of the worker and the workplace.”
The annual three-day event is the region’s only exhibition dedicated to tools, hardware, materials and machinery, representing a broad spectrum of segments within the construction and technical industries. It was opened by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
Hardware + Tools Middle East 2017 returns with the Expert Zone, a one-stop destination showcasing the latest technology and solutions from the most established brands in the business. More information is available at: www.hardwaretoolsme.com.