Al-Bahar Hosts Regional Caterpillar Operator Challenge Across UAE And Oman

Operator Skill

This year’s Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge (GOC) regional qualifiers were held across three major Gulf cities: Abu Dhabi (April 22), Sharjah (April 24), and Muscat (April 30). Hosted by Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, the exclusive Cat dealer in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, the event attracted nearly 90 skilled operators, with around 30 participants at each location.

After a series of high-pressure challenges, Ghulam Farid Sher Ali (Al-Marwan), Amer Iqbal (Copri Co.), and Parnek Singh (Khazan Logistics) earned top honors. The three winners will represent the region at the regional finals in Malaga, Spain, competing against operators from around the world.

Test of Precision

The qualifiers challenged participants to perform complex tasks using the latest Caterpillar equipment, including the Cat 966 Wheel Loader, Cat 426 Backhoe Loader, and Cat 320 Excavator. Each station was designed to test machine handling, operator precision, and the effective use of Cat technology.

“We tested the operators on different systems and different technology on the Cat Machines,” says Gary Martin, Market Professional at Caterpillar. “We shortlisted our best operator from all the three regions, who will move to the finals in Malaga, Spain for the regional finals.”

Operators demonstrated their ability to adapt to real-world conditions, control machine output with accuracy, and maximize the built-in efficiencies of the equipment.

Supporting Industry Growth

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar has proven to be one of the most trusted equipment trading companies in the Middle East. As the authorized dealer of Cat products, Al-Bahar offers a full range of new, used, and rental solutions, spanning construction, power generation, and material handling. The company has built a legacy of quality and reliability, with over 65 years of partnership with Caterpillar.

Each GOC participant received a safety-focused welcome kit, highlighting Al-Bahar’s dedication to responsible machine operation and operator welfare.

“The success of the Regional GOC event emphasizes the sheer caliber operators in our region possess, alongside Al-Bahar’s willingness to support their professional development,” says Khaldoon Issa, Product Manager at Al-Bahar. “We were incredibly impressed by the level of talent and commitment displayed by all the participants, and the performance exhibited by the winning operators was truly outstanding.”

More Than Just a Competition

For many operators and employers alike, the event was about more than winning. It served as a platform to benchmark talent, boost team morale, and explore how advanced Cat machines can improve site productivity.

“This win feels fantastic! Competing alongside so many skilled operators was a great experience,” says one of the winners. “What really stood out for me throughout the challenges were the Cat Excavators. The high-end technology they incorporate truly makes our jobs easier and incredibly efficient. The level of precision these machines offer is simply unmatched—it makes tackling even the most demanding tasks feel so controlled and accurate.”

With the regional finals in Spain fast approaching, Al-Bahar’s three champions carry not only the pride of their companies, but the reputation of the Gulf’s operator community. The Global Operator Challenge continues to reinforce the value of skilled operation, cutting-edge technology, and the importance of investing in human capability.