Learn more about the Dubai Wood Show 2006, the only dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East.
If it is construction materials that you are thinking about you would probably always think about steel, metal or aluminium. Now turn your thoughts toward wood. Dubai's wood industry has been growing amazingly with imports into the UAE up by 32 per cent in 2004 as against 2003. Industry watchers suggest that woodworking and wood-related products in Dubai will receive a further boost with the introduction of the Dubai Wood Show 2006, which will be the only dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East so far.
CONSTRUCTION WORLD speaks to Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizer of the show, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 10-12, 2006. Exhibitors from over 40 countries are expected to participate in the show, which is set to become an annual event.
What is the Dubai Wood Show all about?
The Dubai Wood Show is a specialized 'trade to trade' event aimed at identifying the best sources in the wood and wood machinery industry for target markets such as the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia and Far East Asia. This international trade fair will showcase exhibits for different segments of the industry such as distributors, suppliers, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, carpenters, wholesalers, etc.
With considerable goodwill in the UAE market as a leading exhibitioner and conference organizer, Dubai Wood Show 2006 is in the good hands of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. With a team of dedicated professionals providing a range of services to the business community, the company has 'International Property Week' to its credit, which it has been organizing for the past couple of years.
Why a wood show? And how is it different from other exhibitions and events?
There are numerous events in Dubai and other cities in the Middle East that cater to the construction industry. Yet, there is no show dedicated to wood and wood machinery exclusively. The lack of visibility and exposure of this industry in the region is a valid enough reason to host an event such as the Dubai Wood Show. For example, how many people are aware that 2004 saw imports of wood in semi-finished and finished form worth over AED 791 million? What makes it even more different from other exhibitions is that the Dubai Wood Show will entirely focus on the 'sale' of exhibits and not just 'show' the exhibits.
What has triggered a search on wood and wood related products?
Strategic Marketing's research on the wood industry has been a pretty detailed and encouraging one thanks to a point made by several industry experts who have felt a severe shortage in the supply of wood and wood machinery as against the growing demand in the region. Moreover, we have identified many international firms who are keen to participate in the event.
What are the different types of wood exhibits that we can expect?
Essentially there will be two kinds of exhibits. The first would be wood products, such as finishing and fittings, timber, hardwood, softwood, plywood, hardboard decorative and composite, chipboard and MDF, wood and timber flooring, wood raw materials, forest products, timber-based technical solutions for building use, wooden windows and doors, wooden furniture units, treatment products, related publications, polishing products, spraying equipment, staplers, surface treatments and finishing tools, and veneer. The other would be wood working machinery, such as timber processing, molding, beading, wainscoting, paneling, wood treatment plants, etc. The year 2004 saw imports over 96 million of wood machinery into the country, of which over 28 million were re-exported. This in itself reveals the large consumption of imports for local purposes.
How many exhibitors are you expecting and who are they?
We are looking at more than 100 exhibitors; manufacturers, traders, suppliers, distributors of MDF, veneer, plywood, laminates, parquet, paper products, treatment products, wood processing and woodworking machinery, timber merchants, interior designers, furniture manufacturer, carpenters, architects, engineers, wholesale traders and retailers, building material manufacturers, construction suppliers and all those involved with the development, marketing, selling, operations, supply and service of the wood, woodworking and wood machinery industry.
Who are your partners for the event?
The show will be supported by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will be in conjunction with international associations, business and trade councils.
In addition, we are proud to have publications as official media partners as well.
What are the costs involved in booking a stand?
Exhibitors are given two options; they can select just a space or take up a shell scheme. The price of just a space is US $ 300 per sq m and a full shell scheme stand costs US $ 350 per sq m.
The shell scheme stands include walls, carpet, fascia, spotlights, power points, fascia name plate and stand number, a table and three chairs.
Construction World 2005
