Demand for tools and hardware across the UAE and wider Gulf is set to remain strong over the next 12 to 18 months, fuelled by infrastructure upgrades, real estate development and a rising focus on asset maintenance, according to Mufaddal Murtaza, Director of Speedex Tools.

Speaking on market trends, Murtaza said spending on infrastructure and construction remains a major driver, but the demand profile is broadening beyond large-scale projects. “Demand across the UAE and GCC is being driven primarily by infrastructure upgrades, real estate development, and industrial maintenance,” he said, adding that a growing number of smaller businesses are also shaping the market.

Newly established maintenance companies, garages and small contractors are emerging as an important customer base, supported by population growth and increased retrofit activity across cities. “Asset upkeep and retrofit projects are gaining importance as an increasing number of people choose the UAE as their home and base for new ventures,” Murtaza said.

Within construction, commercial developments and facilities management are providing the most stable order flows. Murtaza noted that “the most consistent demand is coming from commercial construction and facilities management and fit-out projects,” while refurbishment work in established urban districts is also helping sustain volumes. Many contractors, he said, are expanding their teams to keep up with demand, particularly in mature markets such as Deira.

Dubai’s role as a regional re-export centre for tools and hardware is also strengthening, supported by logistics efficiencies and global trade links. “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a regional re-export hub for tools and hardware,” Murtaza said, pointing to faster customs clearance and improving infrastructure. Strong connections with Africa, East and South Asia and parts of the CIS are encouraging buyers to use the emirate as a central procurement hub.

“Buyers are increasingly using Dubai as a consolidation point to access reliable supply, consistent quality, and after-sales support,” he said, noting that this trend accelerated when the UAE was among the first countries to reopen safely after the Covid-19 pandemic, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable trade gateway.

Mufaddal Murtaza, Director of Speedex Tools

Procurement behaviour is also evolving, with professional buyers placing less emphasis on price alone. According to Murtaza, “purchasers are prioritising reliability, warranty support, and supplier credibility over purely price or payment term-based decisions,” reflecting a more mature and cost-conscious market.

Despite the growth of digital procurement, physical retail continues to play a vital role. Large-format professional stores are not being replaced by online platforms, but instead complement them. “For tools and hardware, customers still value hands-on product evaluation, technical advice, and immediate availability,” Murtaza said. He added that Speedex’s online platform is increasingly used for repeat purchases and convenience, with most customers opting for an omni-channel approach.

Across product categories, cordless and battery-powered tools are recording the fastest growth. “Technological improvement, ease of use, access and low downtime have become key decision points,” Murtaza said, as professionals seek productivity gains on site.

While pricing pressures and foreign exchange volatility have made buyers more value-conscious, Murtaza said this has not translated into a race to the bottom. “People are increasingly seeing their tools as an investment,” he said, with stronger enforcement against counterfeits and greater awareness of compliance standards pushing demand toward premium, genuine brands backed by authorised distributors.