Dubai WoodShow 2017 taps potential of building fully wooden houses in the UAE

New ideas and innovations were presented during the second day (Wednesday, 8 March 2017) of the 12th edition of Dubai WoodShow (DWS 2017) and the 1st edition of Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components & Semi-Finished Products Show (DIFAC 2017).

Many initiatives were also presented at the show, one of which targets building 100% wood-manufactured houses in the UAE.

“Statistics show that houses built using steel increase the CO2 emissions, followed by buildings made of concrete. While studies reveal that buildings using wooden building materials don’t only reduce CO2 emission, but also have positive impact on the environment by helping achieving sustainability,” said Juha Peltomaki, senior advisor from Finland.

“In Finland, it’s allowed to build 8 floors building using only wood. This experience proved to be successful and many countries in Europe are applying it now. I think this experience can be helpful in this region to support Dubai’s ongoing effort toward green economy in the attempts to provide affordable eco-friendly houses with great quality,” continued Peltomaki.

Sven Gustavsson, Director of Bois Resineux said that Canada and many other countries only use certified forests, where whenever any trees would be cut, another one will be planted to replace, which helps keeping the forests and achieve environmental sustainability.

Gustavsson praised Dubai efforts to focus on environment, by making strategies to achieve sustainability. He added that Middle East needs such responsible actions to reach green economy. Gustavsson said that there is an increasing demand on wood in the region, because of the rising number of projects in the area. He explained that the demand in this region depends on quality, good design and national trend and peoples taste. In Dubai people focus more on Red Oak and White Oak, plus the hard Maple which is Canadian specialty.

On the other hand, The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing a committed team of U.S. hardwood exporters, are participating at the show.

The Council promotes the full range of American hardwood in over 50 export markets. AHEC has participated in all previous editions of the Dubai WoodShow, which signifies the importance of the exhibition globally.

“The American Hardwood Export Council has been a consistent participant at the Dubai WoodShow ever since its inception. The Council plays host to a number of U.S. hardwood exporting companies who exhibit under the prestigious show under American hardwood pavilion. This year, we have several new players joining us at the pavilion. These companies are displaying U.S. hardwood lumber, and veneers,” said Roderick Wiles Director – Africa, Middle East, South Asia & Oceania - American Hardwood Export Council.

“The Dubai WoodShow is a significant opportunity for our members to meet and network with existing and new customers in the region. As one of the most influential shows, Dubai WoodShow has been one of the best trade events in the Middle East and the wider MENA region. It has become an annual meeting destination for experts and businessmen from the industry and a focal point for trade and investments,” added Wiles.

“AHEC runs a multi-faceted, multi-targeted programme to promote American hardwoods, to raise awareness and to educate traders, buyers and end-users. In the UAE, we focus on working with the design community, with whom we have developed strong connections and continue to work on collaborative installations and projects. As an organisation, we are committed to educating the traders and buyers of American hardwood through seminars and trade servicing activities,” Wiles continued.

The Dubai WoodShow is one-of-its-kind in the region, and is considered the biggest trade event worldwide catering to the wood industry.

“Year after year, Dubai reconfirms its position as an international platform for key players of the wood industry to meet and exchange their best practices, experiences and methodologies. The show provides the key industry players with the right set of tools needed to present their products, which boosts  the market share of the wood market in the region and worldwide,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of Dubai WoodShow. 

“American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has been a part of Dubai WoodShow since its commencement. This is a reflection of Dubai’s leading position as a strategic destination for experts and specialists to gather under one roof to share and discuss best practices governing the industry,” Al Shezawi concluded.