Over 550 global exhibitors from over 40 participating countries have come together for the Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show, the regional landmark event for wood trade and investment, which opened today.

Hardwoods and softwoods take centre stage at the event which will go on till April 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

The event, now in its eighth year was inaugurated by Essa Al Haj Al Maidour, president of the Society of Engineers - UAE, and was graced by visiting foreign dignitaries that included Ngole Philip Ngwese, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife for Cameroon; Henry Djombo, Minister of Sustainable Development, Forest Economy and Environment for the Republic of Congo; Mariteuw Chimère Ndiaw, executive officer, African Model Forest Network and Franz-Josef Bütfering, president, Eumabois.

Dubai WoodShow 2013 is 35 per cent bigger than last year's event, according to event organisers Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. The increase in both the number of exhibitors and the total floor space covered for the show is in line with the rising demand for hardwood lumber in the region, which is projected to reach an estimated $1.5 million in 2012, growing an approximate 16 per cent each year.

The event is also being positioned to complement the industry’s continuing efforts to encourage the use of more wood in further keeping with green and sustainable building and construction practices, a statement from the organisers said. The show covers an area of 12,944 sq m and features different halls for forestry and products, tools, equipment, finishing, timber and outdoor furniture.

As with its previous editions, 'Dubai WoodShow 2013' also features 12 international pavilions hosted by participating countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, France, China, Malaysia, Cameroon and Congo.

“We are very pleased with the overwhelming response that we have received during the opening of this year’s ‘Dubai WoodShow.’ This is the largest edition of the show’s eight year history, which we have carefully planned and implemented to cater to the demand for a bigger venue where traders and professionals can develop more awareness on the significance of wood as an essential building and design material,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, chairman, Dubai WoodShow organising committee. “We are also looking to involve more players from the construction industry and their related sectors and encourage them into increasing their use of wood for their respective projects.”

One of the main highlights of the event is the special seminar focusing on the various possibilities to be gained from building with wood, which will take place on April 10, at the Fujairah A conference area of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The seminar will focus on four main topics - wood as a building material in the GCC; wood as a design component of architectural projects; the current state of wood use in the GCC and timber legality, the statement said.

A focal point of the seminar involves the discussions on timber legality and the importance of certification for timber-producing companies exporting to Europe and benefits and challenges of this mandatory certification. Speakers will include key representatives from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology; the Malaysian Timber Certification Council; Quebec Wood Export Bureau; Dubai Municipality; Dubai Central Laboratory and the American Hardwood Export Council (Ahec).

“Over the years, Dubai WoodShow has acted as a strategic platform for project developers and construction companies to find suitable wood products that not only meets the structural requirements of their projects but can also comply with today's set environmental standards as well. We are highly positive that this year’s event will live up to its name of being the premier exhibition for the region’s growing wood industry - resulting in the creation of key business opportunities and potential projects for its participants," concluded Shezawi. – TradeArabia News Service