Dubai Woodshow 2007 Seen as a Success

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2007--Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the Dubai Woodshow 2007 have deemed the event a success. The three-day show totaled USD 50 million in deals closed.  

The second edition of the show, which had grown by 118 per cent hosted 115 leading local and international companies, was visited by over 3500 visitors from across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Running from February 27-March 1, the event was also boosted by the participation of influential international wood associations.

Leading regional and international companies closed out sizeable contracts over the course of Dubai Woodshow 2007 and have committed to a larger presence at the next edition, which will run from February 5 - 7, 2008. Alomi Real Wood Flooring, a leading UK Wood Flooring Manufacturer, was awarded a total of USD 3.2 million in contracts. The company will supply wood for several high-value contracts throughout the region, including 25,000 square metres of English Natural Solid Oak in a USD 1.2 million deal for a Saudi Arabian shopping mall. Additional contracts include supplying 15,000 square metres of Antique English Solid Oak in a USD 1 million deal for an Indian five star hotel and supplying 12,000 square metres of Grade A engineered Black Walnut wood in a USD 1 million commercial tower deal for Bahrain.

'As the region's only dedicated tradeshow, the Dubai Woodshow provides a powerful venue for companies in the wood industry to exploit the ongoing infrastructure and construction boom in the Middle East. Building on the success of last year where the show recorded AED 23 million in business with 90 per cent of exhibitors confirming their participation for this year's show, we had to double the exhibition space and the results speak for themselves. We have had a spectacular turnout this year and we look forward to the next edition, which promises to be bigger and better,' said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the Dubai Woodshow.

Danube Building materials, a leading regional player in the construction, interior decoration, and shop-fitting industry, launched its House of Laminates at Dubai Woodshow 2007 and closed USD 1 million in deals during the show. The company signed contracts with customers from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, highlighting the international and regional appeal of the show.

'Dubai Woodshow 2007 was the perfect platform for us to launch the House of Laminates, the world's largest collection of wood laminates. We enjoyed a tremendous footfall this year, which helped us close several impressive contracts, and we are looking forward to our participation at next year's event,' said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials.

The participation of local and international exhibitors was enhanced by the American Hardwood National pavilion, debuting to join Canada, China, Italy Germany, Brazil and Spain as well as leading international associations like the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (Eumabois), Asociacion de Fabricantes Espanoles de Macquinaria (AFEMMA), American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Czech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association (SVDSZ).

'Visitors to the American pavilion, which comprised of 10 collaborating companies under the umbrella of AHEC, were introduced to American hardwood products. Our products, which have a solid reputation in the rest of the world, drew considerable interest from industry representatives who were keen to learn more. We are very excited with the outcome of our participation in Dubai Woodshow 2007 as it served as a bridge to meeting key decision-makers and players in the region, and we look forward to bringing more American companies to the region next year,' said David Venables, European Director, AHEC.

'Dubai Woodshow 2007 would not have been a success if not for the support of the local authorities, exhibitors, international associations, trade visitors and other supporting partners. This year's show has surpassed expectations, and we are positive that Dubai Woodshow 2008 will be even larger in scope, participation and impact,' concluded Al Shezawi.