Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zayoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade on Tuesday inaugurated Dubai WoodShow 2022 which will continue until 17th March at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with participation of 400 companies from 41 countries.

At the show, a huge number of machineries from Canadian, European, Chinese and American manufacturers were on display, targeting timber factories not only in the UAE but also other parts of the Mena region.

The show has attracted a number of end-users who are on the lookout for timber products that fit their requirements.

A large variety of traders, architects and decision-makers from the contracting, environment and other relevant sectors are visiting the show to look into the offerings of some of the world’s premier companies in the field of wood and working machinery. Participating companies hailing from key regions like Europe, Asia, and the Americas is throwing the spotlight on their respective products and services across halls 6, 7 and 8.

According to the show’s organizers, more than 400 companies are participating at this year’s show−also expressing bullishness on using Dubai Woodshow as a key platform to discover new opportunities, forge long-term partnerships, and tap into newer markets. Some of the companies present at the event include American Hardwood, American Softwood, AIMMP, Pro Panama, Moscow Export centre, North Carolina, AZan Building Materials, Investment & Development Agency of Latvia, Malaysia Timber Council, French Timber, AIMSAD, QUBEC, Turkey Pavilion, China Pavilion, Cefla Middle East, German Tech Machinery, Industrial Machine Company, RG Export, SALCO Wood, Saleh International, Schattdecor, Elesgo, Egypt Panel Global, Modecor, Saudi Wood Production, Simplex, and Coast to Coast.

The event has also been graced by some of the world’s leading wood and wood working experts−who will graciousy share their key insights about the industry while also tackling some of the industry’s timely challenges. These high-level attendees include Yelsica Cadallero, Chief, Pro Panama; Victor Pocas, President, AIMMMP; Alex Pletnev, Executive Director, Moscow Export centre; Charles Trevor, Director, American Softwood; Tom Sudrabs, Project Manager, Investment and Development Agency - Latvia; Roderic Wyles, Director, American Hardwood; Sven Gustavson, Event Manager, QUBEC; Thibaud Le Moign, Manager, French Timber; Roshan Clarice, Regional Head, Malaysia Timber Council; Liz Isley, Director, North Carolina Furniture Export Office; Gabriel Jabbor, Trade Commissioner, General Consulate of Canada; and Arif Onur Kacak, Secretary General, AIMSAD.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s vibrant construction industry is seen to help drive up the demand for luxury furniture products. Based on data released by Dubai Woodshow, the country’s construction and development market is being forecasted to be valued at USD 133.53 billion in 2026, which reflects a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6 per cent in the next four years−further prompting industry experts to be bullish about the increased demand for luxury furniture products over the same period−seeing a CAGR of 2.5 per cent from 2021 to 2026.

The increasing number of construction and development projects in the country is playing a key role in driving up the demand for luxury furniture products. In addition, the government’s move to roll out new initiatives aimed at developing the tourism and hospitality segments will also prove to be a significant factor in the growth of the luxury furniture segment.

Dawood Al Shezawi, President, Strategic Conferences and Exhibitions, organiser of the show said, “Looking to make this year’s show more exciting, we have added new additions to the event, including the 1st Innovations and Excellence Awards for the Wood and Woodworking Industry, a B2B Matchmaking Programme, and a Hosted Buyer Programme.” “Dubai Woodshow is a must-attend event for wood specialists from all over the globe. We remain steadfast in our commitment to position the event as a strategic platform for buyers and sellers to connect and forge key partnerships that eventually will lead to long and strong business relationships,” he concluded.

During the show’s exciting three-day run, industry leaders and specialists will be sharing their key insights about the industry while also aiming to tackle some timely issues needing to be addressed. Key speakers who have confirmed their presence at this year’s show include EUMABOIS President Juergen Koeppel; Hannu Hietavirta, CEO, Apical Reforestadora; Martine Johansson, Propanama.

Positioned to be the premier destination for wood specialists, Dubai Woodshow’s extensive three-day agenda will also feature key talks on ‘New opportunities using young plantation teak,’ ‘Workflow Optimisation from Design to Production,’ ‘RFID - part tracking through the factory,’ ‘Japanese Wood Architecture,’ and ‘Sustainable Engineering Wood Product from Indonesia,’ to name a few.