Al-Bahar, the authorised dealer of Caterpillar products and services across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, has successfully concluded its entry-level Internal Challenge, a segment of the Global Dealer Technician Challenge (GDTC) hosted by Caterpillar.
The competition, dubbed “Heroes of the Trade,” took place over four intense days at Al-Bahar’s Regional Training Centre in Sharjah, UAE. The event saw four top technicians battle it out, with two emerging victorious to represent Al-Bahar at the Regional Qualifiers in Dubai this November.
“At Al-Bahar, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence within our service network, as our technicians are our main advantage serving our customers better,” said Mr. Ibrahim Elaian, Vice President of Service at Al-Bahar. “The Global Dealer Technician Challenge provided a phenomenal platform for our technicians to showcase their expertise, dedication, and commitment to continuous learning. We are incredibly proud of all participants, and we’re confident that our champions will shine brightly at the regional level.”
The competition tested the technicians across a variety of skills, including machine diagnostics, practical service applications, and an in-depth understanding of aftermarket support offerings. Held from 24th to 28th June 2024, the Internal Challenge concluded with an award ceremony celebrating the achievements of all four participants. The ceremony served as a platform to recognise their dedication and hard work throughout the demanding challenge.
Bilson Poulose, one of the winning technicians, shared his experience, saying, “The GDTC was an incredibly rewarding experience. It challenged me to push my boundaries and apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios. I’m excited to represent Al-Bahar at the Regional Qualifiers and compete against the best from across the region.”
His fellow champion, Hamza Sobeih, echoed these sentiments: “This competition has been a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and fellow participants. I’m grateful for the support of Al-Bahar and I’m eager to showcase my skills in the upcoming qualifiers.”
To ensure they are well-prepared for the Regional Qualifiers, Poulose and Sobeih have been assigned a mentor, Mr. Waqar Khan, Service Training Instructor at Al-Bahar. Commenting on the technicians’ performances, Khan remarked, “The growth and development we witnessed in these technicians throughout the competition has been truly remarkable. This challenge has not only tested their technical skills but also their problem-solving abilities and teamwork. The reward is a well-deserved recognition of their efforts, and I have full confidence that with continued training, they will be formidable competitors at the Regional Qualifiers, Semifinals, and potentially the Final Global Challenge in Las Vegas, USA.”
The journey to becoming “Heroes of the Trade” continues as Al-Bahar’s winning technicians now enter an intensive training phase in preparation for the Regional Qualifiers in Dubai. Their ultimate goal is to secure a place at the Global Finals and earn the title of the world’s “Top Technician.”
