Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted recently that the country had developed as a wood re-export hub thanks to its strategic geographic location and its role as one of the world’s prominent logistics hubs. 

The wood trade enjoys great significance in the UAE’s development with some 70 per cent of the resource used in the UAE consumed by the construction sector and 30 per cent by other industries, Al Zeyoudi pointed out.

He also drew attention to the fact that more than 20 per cent of wood arriving in the Middle East went to the UAE and a huge percentage of that was re-exported to countries around the world.

“This is a matter of pride for us given the economic diversification in the UAE. It further consolidates the country’s position as one of the leading and pioneering countries in the world,” he said. The minister made the remarks after inaugurating the Dubai WoodShow early last month.

“Based on my observation during the tour … exhibiting companies are deploying stringent measures in wood production,” the minister said.

Equipment from European, Chinese and American manufacturers was on display, targeting timber factories not only in the UAE but also other parts of the Mena region.

A large number of traders, architects and decision-makers from sectors including contracting and the environment visited the show which focused on the sustainability of wood resources at a time when the building and contracting industries in the UAE are using more timber in their projects compared to other resources. 

The show also highlighted green building solutions and the contribution of wood to this concept.