The UAE timber trade is poised to grow by 300 per cent over the next five years, said leading industry experts on the sidelines of the  'Dubai Woodshow 2014' which was held recently.

Positioned as the biggest specialised trade show, The Dubai Woodshow is an annual meeting point for producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, dealers, suppliers and end-users and other players in the wood industry. It was held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The UAE already leads the Mena markets in import of US hardwood lumber, commanding 13.5 per cent of US exports to the region valued at $86.54 million in 2012, said a report citing the latest US Department of Agriculture statistics.

The demand for hardwood in the Middle East is high being a major timber consuming market where wood is used in real estate projects as an alternative to other building materials that were prevalent in the past.

 The participants stressed that increasing green initiatives taken in the Gulf had led to the higher use of wood.

“Progressive legislation introduced in this sector, not to mention its accumulated experience, is also giving it a shot in the arm,” remarked Walid Farghal, the director general of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, the event organisers of The Dubai WoodShow.

"We are very much delighted by the strong participation of global exhibitors at Dubai Woodshow 2014, including architects, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, representatives of associations and commercial boards, as well as a large number of visitors,” added Farghal.

According to him, the show ended on a successful note, with sales of machineries exceeding $50 million.

Dubai WoodShow, spread over an area of 13,428 sq m, organized a series of specialised seminars featuring renowned international experts from timber trade bodies from all over the world.

The UAE is a leading hub for the timber trade in Gulf region through Dubai.

The legal use of timber was a major highlight on the second day of Dubai Woodshow 2014 that seeks to promote wood solutions in the GCC, especially in the design and construction sectors.

The products showcased in the exhibition include wood, woodworking machinery, blades, knives, tools, abrasives and other related products.-TradeArabia News Service