Highlights:
o 2019 edition sees the return of world-renowned exhibitors that include ACOP Components, Seven Italia
o The UAE alone has more than 600 furniture manufacturers all needing to source components
o Global woodworking machines market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 3.7% (CAGR) to the end of 2026

FIM offers the Middle East’s interior product designers and furniture manufacturers direct access to a massive pool of specialist material and component suppliers as well as machinery manufacturers who service the furniture industry.

A few of the exhibitors who took part in 2018 include Hafele, Simonswerk, Canon, Plamac and Maccan. Giulio Zanetti, from the Marketing department of ACOP Components, who was one of the 2018 exhibitors, said:
"FIM has been a very positive experience for us. We have been given this opportunity to meet new contacts, work on new contracts and buildings.... This region is important as we are trying to build business relationships especially with contractors and FIM provides us with the perfect platform for that."

The show also saw a number of woodworking machine dealers display their products and services. This comes as no surprise seeing as the global woodworking machines market was valued US$ 4.23 billion in 2017 and is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2026.

One of the main driving factors that is sustaining and pushing this market development is the growing demand for wooden products and furniture (which as we all know, generally, comes with many component parts).

Moreover, the emergence of intelligent machinery in the wood industry will reduce waste and increase production efficiency.

Exhibitors showcasing taps, accessories and internal door and cabinet hardware highlighted that the region is undergoing a big shift towards micronisation.

Given the hot and often humid climate of the Middle East the porosity (tiny holes in the surface of the material) in poor quality handles can sometimes be seen and frequently need replacing. Porosity allows the moisture from the environment or our hands to enter and because of the inherent acid, the handles corrode. Micronisation prevents this from occurring because it makes materials more corrosion resistant.

Next year FIM will be part of The Middle East Design & Hospitality Week (MEDHW) which will bring the region’s 7 most influential design and hospitality events together under one roof and is set to welcome more than 50,000 visitors.