UAE imported approximately 412,400 cu m of softwood lumber from main European and North American exporters between January and July 2015, said the organisers of the upcoming Dubai WoodShow, citing an industry report.

The 11th edition of the largest trade fair for wood products in the Middle East will take place from April 4 to 6 at Dubai World Trade Center.

Romania is the biggest exporter of softwood lumber to the UAE with a volume of 233,000 cu m, while Germany came second with a volume of 101,000 cu m. The collective exports of Austria, Russia, Canada and Ukraine to the UAE were of the value of 78,000 cu m of softwood lumber.

Dubai WoodShow 2016 will open doors for other pavilions including Turkey and India. This expansion is expected to further boost the show’s reputation, compared to last year’s record growth of 33 per cent increase in exhibitors over 2014.

The event is set to put on display all kinds of both softwood products that are made of cedar, fir, pine, redwood; or hardwood products that are made of ash, birch, cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, teak, and walnut.

“Dubai WoodShow showcases exquisite wood and woodworking material,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of the Dubai WoodShow.

“The exhibition allows customers in the Middle East to have access to wood products and accessories of topmost quality. Our distinct advantage this year is not just in the number of exhibitors but the new product launches that will use the exhibition floor to target the regional market.

“The significant demand for wood in the GCC helps raise the profile of Dubai WoodShow. Lumber and wood manufacturers will showcase their expertise, network with international buyers, traders and investors and discover business opportunities. We have succeeded in creating an ideal meeting platform to attract quality visitors, facilitate meeting with new business contacts, increase branding exposure, help establishing business in a new market, and support networking opportunities through this world-class exhibition,” added Al Shezawi.

Innovations in timber industry are set to take the largest chunk of the show, where industry gurus from around the world will participate.

“We are trying to help keep visitors up to date with key innovations in the timber industry from around the world. This includes all modern technologies and innovative products related to all the wood processing, such as mortising, tenoning, treenailing, beveling, gluing, and intricate joining and inlaying,” added Al Shezawi.

The 10th Dubai WoodShow saw a 30 per cent increase in visitors from the GCC region, with countries like Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Iran, Kuwait, and China featured in the top 10 list. – TradeArabia News Service