DCCI hosts first seminar to discuss furniture industry in Dubai

In a speech he delivered on behalf of Abdul Rahman G. Al-Mutaiwee, DCCI Director General, Atiq Jumaa Naseeb, DCCI Director of Business Development Department welcomed the participants and came up with recommendations to develop this important industry, which is considered a source for the architectural progression in any country.

"The purpose of this gathering is to highlight the furniture and wooden industrial development and discuss the possibilities of establishing a furniture technology center in Dubai in collaboration with esteemed FIRA UK," said Naseeb.

He referred that the UAE in general and Dubai in particular has many advantages to become an active manufacturing and industrial centre, which attracts investments from all round the world.

Hayden Davies, FIRA Managing Director delivered a presentation highlighting the furniture industry and the most outstanding furniture producing countries internationally.

Craig Barlett, FIRA Research & Technology Manager delivered a presentation entitled "UAE and GCC Furniture" tackling furniture indutry activities in the region confirming that this industry is flourishing in the UAE, especially in Dubai, thanks to the architectural development Dubai is witnessing.

"Dubai's investments in the furniture industry rose from AED96 million in 1997 to AED508 million in 2004. The furniture manufacturing establishments numbers also rose from 140 in 1997 to 331 in 2004," said Barlett.

He affirmed that the major factors contributing to the present boom of the furniture industry in Dubai are the increase in population, the economic growth and the development in the construction sector.