Over 550 exhibitors to take part in Dubai WoodShow

The ‘Dubai WoodShow’, the Middle East’s largest wood industry-focused exhibition, will kick off its 2013 edition, with over 550 global exhibitors set to participate during its three-day run from April 9 to 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The expected growth in the international exhibitor count is in line with the rising demand for hardwood lumber in the region, with import figures projected to reach an estimated $700mn in 2012. This increase has prompted Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, the event organiser, to expand the event’s gross area, which will cover 12,944sq m and feature different halls for forestry and products, tools, equipment, finishing, timber, and outdoor furniture in 2013.

Now in its eighth edition, Dubai WoodShow is expected to connect more companies than ever, incorporating recommendations from companies and associations present at the past events to further complement the present market conditions and industry practices, a Strategic spokesman said.

“The gross space of the show will be increased this year due the demand of the growth globally,” he said.

“This will give more focus on wood furniture, veneer, laminates and other products, and on providing a venue where visitors can learn more about wood and meet the most highly qualified operators in the business, while the latter will showcase the latest innovations in wood machineries and the technologies being developed to increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.”

Strategic director general Walid Farghal said: “The changes we have implemented within the ‘Dubai WoodShow’ underlines our strong commitment to adequately address the needs of the market for a venue where traders and professionals can learn more about wood, while driving the overall growth of the wood industry.”

He said: “By gathering highly qualified operators in the business and leading manufacturers from all over the world, we are giving project developers and construction companies a premier destination to find the suitable wood products that suit not only the structural requirements of their projects but the environmental standards as well.”

Farghal said: “This year, we are expecting a large presence of senior management and decision makers seeking investment opportunities with professionals and corporations in the wood industry, and players who are interested in growing their business on a global scale.”

The expected growth in the demand for sustainable hardwood in the Middle East varies across different markets and highly depends upon where environmental concerns sit on the national agenda.

In the UAE, demand for sustainable building materials - including hardwoods - is likely to pick up in the coming years, as green building initiatives gain a real foothold in the marketplace. Growth is also expected to be driven by pioneering initiatives such as the Masdar green energy project in Abu Dhabi. Demand for sustainable building materials is expected to be high in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

This year’s event has the participation from many countries such as the US, Canada, Germany, France, China, Malaysia, Cameroon and Congo.