The largest convention for wood traders in the Middle East to commence in February 2008

Scheduled to take place from February 5 - 7, 2008, the organisers have addressed the significant increase in the number of exhibitors by moving the event to a larger exhibition space at the Dubai Airport Expo, which covers an area of 16,000 square feet. Further, the organisers have also announced that visitor turnout is expected to soar by up to 150 per cent in comparison to the previous edition.

Delegations from more than 25 countries will be present at the show, which will include companies looking to showcase their products and services varying from plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), veneer, laminates, parquet, and paper and treatment products to wood and woodworking machinery. Maintaining its popularity among a distinct group of established construction professionals, Dubai Woodshow 2008 is set to draw in a large number of interior designers, architects, engineers, timber merchants, furniture and building material manufacturers, carpenters, wholesale dealers and retailers.

"It is every organiser's goal to see their exhibition grow significantly year after year, and we are extremely pleased that the Dubai Woodshow has grown beyond expectations. The major success enjoyed by most of the exhibitors at last year's event has translated favourably for us, with most of these satisfied participants confirming their participation at Dubai Woodshow 2008. Accordingly, the overwhelming reception the show generated in 2007 has compelled us to hold the event at a much larger venue this time,"

said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions.

Dubai Woodshow 2008 has built a reputation as a powerful platform to gather high-profile attendees by showcasing innovative technology development and state-of-the-art equipments in the wood industry, thereby attracting both regional and international players from USA, Spain, Brazil and China among others. This year's event will also see two separate halls to accommodate the wood products exhibitors and the display area for wood machineries.

In addition to product showcases, the exhibition is also set to feature interactive seminars that are set to change the landscape of wood products and wood machinery industry. Over the years, the show has continuously evolved to cater to the specific requirements of wood manufacturers and traders who have developed a preference for resources that can be renewed, sustainable and do not create environmental concerns.

Dubai Woodshow 2007 was held at the Dubai World Trade Center, and the show concluded successfully with exhibitors conducting deals to the tune of USD 50 million. More than 3500 visitors from across the Middle East, Africa and Europe participated in the event, reflecting a 118 per cent growth compared to the 2006 show.

The Dubai Woodshow 2007 also received a boost with the participation of influential international wood associations including 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), in addition to the 115 leading local and international companies who attended at the event.

"Wood industry players around the world have recognised the importance of Dubai as a strategic location to exhibit their products, especially at a time when the construction boom in the country has boosted wood imports to new heights. We are certain that Dubai Woodshow 2008 will prove to be highly successful for both exhibitors and visitors, while reinforcing the status of the exhibition as the most important event for the region's wood industry," concluded Al Shezawi.