GCC imports of hardwood touch $900m

The Dubai WoodShow 2014 exhibition has registered growth of 30% in number of exhibitors, while the number of sponsors has grown 22%, as organisers said the GCC countries imported around US$900 million worth of hardwood in 2013, reflecting the vitality of the industry in the region, mainly due to the real-estate sector, in addition to all other related industries, including construction, furniture and woodworking.

Hailing the growth, Walid Farghal, Director General of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of The Dubai WoodShow, said the Gulf region also serves as a global re-export hub for timber.

"Dubai WoodShow 2014 achieved transactions of US$ 700 million over 9 editions, which makes it an important annual event for the timber industry," said Farghal.

"An analysis of these statistics demonstrates the pace of growth of this vital sector despite the slowdown of the global economy in some regional economies over the past few years, as it complements other sectors such as real estate, trading, and furniture," he added.

Organisers are expecting strategic deals in the next edition of Dubai WoodShow that is scheduled to be held from April 8 - 10 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with participation of 500 exhibitors from 40 countries.

"Exhibitors at the Dubai WoodShow include 37% machinery exhibitors, 22% hardwood and softwood exhibitors, 14% building material exhibitors, 12% flooring, plywood, veneer, MDF, laminas and broads, finishing and fitting material exhibitors, 8% coating, paints, adhesives and glue exhibitors, 7% associations, government ministries as well as companies dealing with tools and blades and cutters exhibitors," Farghal said.

"Speaking about the number of visitors, our previous edition attracted 7,946 visitors from 78 countries, 77% of whom came from the GCC, 6% from the rest of Middle East countries, 10% from Asia, 4% from Europe, 2% from Africa, 1% from America."

Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions organizes the Dubai WoodShow annually, which is spread over three halls at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is expected to witness dramatic rise over the coming years with the increasing investment in key sectors associated with it in the UAE and the region.

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