- Over 1,600 brands and 50+ nations converge as Dubai champions sustainability and innovation in the wood industry.
- Showcase features panel discussions and workshops on market trends and logistics.
- Expo aligns with Dubai’s Climate Action Plan and the vision for a green and sustainable wood industry.
The 21st edition of the Dubai WoodShow opened this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre with a central theme: innovation and sustainability are now the twin engines driving the global wood industry.
Held from April 14 to 16, the show has drawn participants from over 50 countries, bringing together industry giants, thought leaders, and innovators under one roof to explore the future of wood manufacturing, technology, and sustainable construction. The exhibition showcases over 1,662 global brands, including powerhouses such as Pfeifer, Biesse, SCM, HOMAG, Pollmeier, and the American Hardwood Export Council.
Championing sustainability through innovation
Inaugurated by Mahir Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition is more than just a trade fair—it is a platform for global dialogue, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship.
Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the Dubai WoodShow, emphasized the show’s alignment with Dubai’s Climate Action Plan and UAE Energy Strategy 2050, noting that this year’s edition strongly supports the emirate’s drive toward a green economy.
“Dubai WoodShow has become a key industrial platform that fosters valuable partnerships across the wood value chain—from manufacturers and distributors to investors and innovators,” said Al Shezawi. “By highlighting eco-friendly wood alternatives and smart manufacturing solutions, we are aligning with Dubai’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050.”
Where global brands meet regional ambition
The event’s international reach is evident in the 12 global pavilions from countries such as China, the U.S., Portugal, India, Italy, Turkey, France, Germany, Gabon, Austria, Russia, and Egypt. These pavilions are not just a display of products but a testament to how cross-border partnerships are reshaping the wood industry.
Julfar and senior officials toured the exhibition, meeting with global delegations and exploring cutting-edge technologies, from engineered wood and veneer panels to advanced timber drying technologies and AI-driven supply chain software.
This international presence ties directly into the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to position Dubai as a global hub for future-ready industries and trade events.
Exploring market trends and regional opportunities
Beyond the product showcases, the exhibition features a strong educational and networking component. Panel discussions and workshops held on the opening day tackled pressing issues such as the North African and MENA timber market outlooks, global freight dynamics, and emerging trends in Scandinavian and Central European timber sourcing.
These sessions allowed delegates and industry insiders to unpack the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of timber trade—from supply chain resilience and sustainable sourcing to the digital transformation of logistics. The exhibition also hosts a wide array of materials and products, including:
- MDF panels, plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods
- Laminates, edge banding tools, and adhesives
- Woodworking machinery and accessories
- Flooring solutions, semi-finished furniture materials, and smart logistics systems
DIFAC 2025: Elevating furniture components
Running concurrently with the WoodShow is the Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components (DIFAC) exhibition, now in its 7th edition. DIFAC serves as the region’s premier showcase for everything from door locks and upholstery materials to modular furniture components and smart fittings.
This dual exhibition format provides industry players with a complete view of the wood and furniture ecosystem, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and promoting innovation that bridges both manufacturing and interior design.
WoodShow global series expands Footprint
Dubai’s success with the WoodShow brand is not confined to the UAE. Organizers have announced two major international spin-offs:
- Cairo WoodShow (10th edition), set for November 27–30, 2025, in Egypt.
- Saudi WoodShow (2nd edition), scheduled for September 7–9, 2025, in Riyadh.
These regional expansions further cement the WoodShow Global Series as a leading force in the worldwide wood and furniture supply chain—supporting not just business development, but also sustainability and knowledge exchange across continents.
Building a greener, smarter future
As the Dubai WoodShow 2025 continues through the week, one thing is clear: the wood industry is entering a new era—one driven by sustainability, smart technology, and international cooperation.
By positioning itself at the center of this transformation, Dubai is not only catalyzing industrial growth but also shaping a greener, more resilient global wood economy.
With a record number of exhibitors, rich panel discussions, and innovative showcases, the Dubai WoodShow is proving that even a centuries-old material like wood can be a cornerstone of the future.
Read also: WoodShow Global: Unveiling the next big thing in woodworking industry
