The UAE is a major player in the regional furniture industry with more than 600 factories set up at a capital investment of over Dh1 billion ($272 million), said a report.

This represents about 13 per cent of the total industries in the country, according to figures released by Dubai Exports, an agency of the Department of Economic Development, ahead of Dubai Wood Show.

A dedicated business-to-business meeting place for the wood, wood accessories and woodworking machinery industry, the Dubai Wood Show will be held from April 14 to 16 in Dubai.

The furniture industry is a key element of the UAE economy, with more than 600 furniture factories operating in the country, according to the organisers of the event.

The capital investment in the UAE furniture industry worth $272 million represents 1.2 per cent of the total investment in manufacturing sector.

Josine Heijmans, the exhibition director of the Dubai WoodShow, said that fast-paced growth of the furniture industry drives more demand to wood raw material.

"The UAE’s timber production also includes all wood works for the construction sector as well as residential, office, school, hospitality and medical furniture," stated Heijmans.

"The estimates show that the domestic market consumed around 85 per cent of the domestic furniture production, while the rest of the output was exported. We are gearing up for the best and biggest Dubai WoodShow, with the highest number of players showcasing their offerings and meeting business peers," she added.

Heijmans said over 250 exhibitors from 45 countries will be showcasing their products at the upcoming event. The three-day event will bring together manufacturers, woodworking machinery and toolmakers, timber providers and traders to explore potential business opportunities.

"We anticipate huge deals on the floor of the exhibition over three days,” she stated.

The Dubai WoodShow is the biggest wood and woodworking machinery industry trade show in the Middle East being organised by Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. It is a convergence point for producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, traders, suppliers and end-users in the wood industry chain.

The vast range of products showcased at the Dubai WoodShow includes wood products, woodworking machinery, blades and knives, tools, abrasives and industry solutions.-TradeArabia News Service