UAE Sees Rising Demand for U.S. Hardwood Flooring

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2008--Wood imports to the UAE have grown 100 percent over the past two years and the demand for wood products has resulted in contracts worth more than $150 million during the Dubai Woodshow.

The growth in the industry has come as more contractors are moving away from traditional concrete and tile and using wood products for flooring, construction work and interiors.

The majority of wood imports are timber and plywood, however, wood flooring has also seen a dramatic increase. According to statistics released by Dubai Customs, in 2005 flooring imports alone registered an increase of 1,345 percent. As part of the flooring boom, UAE-based manufacturer Alomi Real Wood Flooring managed to secure a $750,000 contract on the first day of the trade show.

Albert Douglas, CEO of Alomi Real Wood Flooring, recently told Emirates Business he struggled to reach his $100,000 target during the first year after the company was set up in 2004. However, his business transactions since then have crossed the $30 million mark. “Our business grew by more than 100 percent during the past 11 months and we are expecting the boom to continue,” said Douglas.

The U.S. continues to be the number one wood exporter to the region.

Last year, American hardwood exports to the UAE topped nearly $7.5 million, with lumber constituting the bulk of trade. Wood supplies from the United States to the UAE alone have grown by 83 per ent over the past four years.

Other major suppliers include countries in Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, Chile and China. Rizwan Sajan, chairman of Danube Building Materials, said demand for wood has been soaring despite a surge in prices.