Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The 19th edition of the Dubai International Wood and Woodworking Machinery Exhibition officially concluded yesturday, with 412 exhibiting companies from 42 countries including the US, Russia, China, India, Portugal, France, Turkey, Panama, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in attendance.

The founders and top executives of participating companies emphasized the distinguished position of the Dubai WoodShow and its strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa markets, and lauded the large number of visitors and volume of deals and sales made during the event. Many have already expressed their interest to participate in next year’s edition.

Dubai WoodShow Organizing Committee Chairman Dawood Al Shezawi said: “The 19th edition of the exhibition succeeded in maintaining its leading position and global importance in the wood industry, being able to attract 10905 visitors. Once again, the event provided an ideal platform for global and regional wood industry players and stakeholders to expand their market reach and forge long-term partnerships, which also reflects Dubai’s leadership in terms of organizing and hosting major international exhibitions as well as its significance as a global business hub.”

Exhibitors such as cefla Middle East, Holzher, IMAC, Stanley, and German Tech Machinery, among many others, witnessed crowds of visitors during the three-day run of the trade show, which showcased a wide range of the latest products, technologies, and innovative solutions in the wood and woodworking sectors.

The second day of Dubai WoodShow hosted the WoodShow Innovation & Excellence Awards to recognize and promote the outstanding innovations, craftsmanship and achievements in the wood and woodworking machinery sectors as well as to encourage positive competition within the industry.

This year’s winners are Emilam Industries and Desert Board for the Innovative Wood Product Award category; German Tech Machinery for the Innovative Woodworking Technology Award; Komaza Forestry and Ecotopia Teak for the CSR Commitment Award; and Royal Doors and Good Wood for the Best Stand Design. The Woman of the Year Awardee is Mrs. Prachi Kaghzi of Zajed Timber and the Young Entrepreneur Awardee is MBN Group.

The WoodShow Talks, held on the third and last day of the exhibition, featured discussions and knowledge sharing among industry leaders, experts, senior government officials, and professionals on the latest developments and technological trends in the local, regional, and global wood markets.

Dubai WoodShow is officially supported by seven leading associations and institutions around the world, including the American Hardwood Export Council, the Portuguese Association of Wood and Furniture Industries, and the French Timber Association.