DUBAI ?The total value of US hardwood exports to the UAE rose 14.5 per cent to $7.8 million in 2005.

Lumber constitutes the bulk of US hardwood exports to the UAE. Exports of American hardwood lumber and veneer to the UAE increased by 7 per cent and 90 per cent respectively, while flooring exports registered an astonishing 1,345 per cent jump in 2005.

Analysts attribute the remarkable upswing in US hardwood exports to the construction boom in the UAE. This conclusion holds true for other countries in the region as well, which is underlined by the fact that the total value of US hardwood exports to the Middle East was $45 million in 2005.

The entire Middle East is witnessing frenetic activity in the construction sector, sparking the growth of the wood industry and transforming the Arab world into a major wood consumer.

With temperate hardwood currently undergoing a renaissance in major architectural and design sectors throughout the world, it is only appropriate that Dubai Woodshow make its debut. The show provides a focused forum for exchange of ideas and information that will serve to strengthen and expand the regional wood market,?said David Venables, European Director, AHEC.

The Middle East has long been an important American hardwood consumer. AHEC recognises the emergence of new market opportunities throughout the Arab world, and are looking forward to work with regional players to support and expand the Middle East wood market.?

Woodshow 2006, the dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East, will feature an extensive American line-up, headlined by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the foremost international trade association for the US hardwood industry.

Dubai Woodshow 2006, to be held from April 10 to 12, 2006 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, assembles wood industry leaders from all over the world, having drawn participation from exhibitors from more than 40 countries looking to tap the fast-growing Middle East wood market.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, organisers of the exhibition said： The presence of American Hardwood Export Council will be one of the highlights of Dubai Woodshow, given that the organisation is the foremost international trade association for the US hardwood industry.“