Dubai, UAE, 9 March 2017: The 12th edition of Dubai WoodShow (DWS 2017) and the 1st edition of Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components & Semi-Finished Products Show (DIFAC 2017) were concluded today (9 March) in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on a good note.

On the third day, exhibitors to both shows have promoted their solutions and products in an attempt to attract purchasers and clients as well as forge deals. Most companies present focused on quality and competitiveness in prices to expand their shares from the Middle East markets.

In the wood machinery sector, the Italian, German, and Turkish companies displayed their latest technologies with special offers targeting clients in both local and international markets.

The show provided these companies the chance to maximize their market share in the region and specifically in the UAE, where the wood market is growing in significant way as result of the increasing demand in the run up to EXPO 2020.

Wael Kuwaifi, Operations Director, ACCUMECH said that his company signed deals at the show. According to Kuwaifi, the Saudi and Omani visitors were among the most active to his stand. ACCUMECH is specialized in CNC machinery, and it is the only company in the Middle East which produces this type of machines. The company exports its products to Saudi Arabia, German and USA as its monthly production exceeds 12 machines.

Kuwaifi said that this year’s huge success will make his company reserve bigger space in the next edition of the show to maximize exposure.

In the wood sector, the local buyers from the UAE were the most active in the third day of the show. And according to experts, this notable activity in the UAE market has many reasons; first of which the finishing of many projects, secondly the launch of new construction projects in Dubai and the UAE, plus the change in contractors’ trends which made the customers use more wood than they used to in the past years.

Saeed Afifi, General Manager, Afifi Groum, KSA, said that this is the first participation of the group in this show after it was only visiting during past editions. The reason behind participation according to Afifi is the show’s reputation as the biggest specialized event in the region. Afifi added that the show provided the perfect platform to meet potential clients and start new business relations with active players in the market.

Risher A. Willard, Chief of Marketing & Utilization in Georgia Forestry Commission, in the Hardwood States Export Group, said that the show was an opportunity for increasing communications between USA wood exporters and their clients in the Middle East. Willard said that this year’s show focused on some traditional wood products alongside with some new materials such as “Wood Pellets”, “CLT” which used to build 100% wood manufactured houses and buildings.

Willard also said that sustainability was one of the main topics in the show, and for him the responsible management of forests is the main key to maintain sustainability in this field. In Georgia, for example 40% of the wood used from forest will be planted again to keep raising more trees.

The environment and sustainability issues were discussed thoroughly during the show. ATIBT participated for the first time in Dubai WoodShow 2017 to raise awareness about the sustainability issues. Elise Heral, the project coordinator with ATIBT said that the association works hard to raise awareness about the legality of wood trade and the importance of controlling illegal trade.

Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of both shows said that there are many reasons behind this huge success the shows attained; first of which the fact that Dubai WoodShow 2017 has built great reputation as one of the most prestigious events globally which encourage biggest companies in the world to be part of it annually, secondly the ongoing growth in the global wood market, which expected to exceed USD 30 billion in 2021. Also, the parallel events with the show helped to give it more comprehensive role. ATIBT forum was organized for the first time in Dubai, and the 1st edition of Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components & Semi-Finished Products Show (DIFAC 2017) were launched in conjunction with Dubai WoodShow 2017. DIFAC witnessed great success thanks to the great participation and the big number of visitors.

Experts in the wood industry said that Dubai WoodShow is playing a vital role in supporting the industry on regional and international level, thanks to the competitive atmosphere it provides. Also the show was an ideal platform for the international companies to meet, exchange experience and follow latest market trends.