Inaugural Saudi Wood Expo set to elevate the Kingdom’s wood and woodworking sectors as Vision 2030 drives growth
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 20 August 2024
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative era, driven by the ambitious Vision 2030, which is reshaping the nation's economic landscape by boosting the growth of diverse industries. As the Kingdom continues to invest in sustainable development, the wood industry has emerged as a key sector, reflecting the broader ambitions of this national vision. The inaugural Saudi Wood Expo, taking place from 2 - 4 September 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), marks a significant milestone in this journey by spotlighting the wood and woodworking market.
Saudi Wood Expo will bring together over 7,500+ professionals including contractors, builders & developers, consultants, architects, interior designers and decorators, furniture manufacturers, timber traders, distributors and dealers, among others. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative products and solutions from more than 130 exhibitors from 30 countries.
"Saudi Wood Expo is a pivotal event for the woodworking industry, attracting local and international companies and providing opportunities to build partnerships essential for the success of major mega and giga projects in Saudi Arabia,” said Muhammed Kazi Senior Vice President, dmg events. “This event not only showcases cutting-edge products and services but also facilitates collaborations that drive industry growth at a time when the demand for doors, windows, furniture manufacturing and interior design sectors is at an all-time high.”
Driving demand through mega and giga projects
The wood and woodworking market in the Kingdom is expected to reach a value of US$4.1 billion by 2029 (Source: Data Bridge Market Research). Mega and giga projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Trojena and Qiddiya are significantly increasing the demand for high-quality timber and wood products.
The rapid development within these projects highlights the need for reliable suppliers and sustainable materials, aligning with global environmental standards. Companies participating in Saudi Wood Expo will showcase their commitment to sustainability by offering certified wood products and adopting eco-friendly practices.
In its inaugural edition, Saudi Wood Expo will feature country pavilions from China, Canada, Egypt, Italy and Türkiye. Other participating countries include Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam and more.
The event is supported by founding partners, International Timber Company (ITCO), which specializes in wholesale and retail of various wood products for construction and furniture industries and GUMACO, one of the leading companies in trading wood, metal and aluminium machines, in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Commenting on their participation, Hassan Sinno, General Manager of ITCO, said: “We are thrilled to be the Founding Partner of the inaugural Saudi Wood Expo organized by dmg events, the leading international organizer of events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event promises to showcase the immense potential and importance of the Saudi construction, furniture, design and fit‐out markets driven by the bold Vision 2030 and beyond.”
Prominent local companies such as Salem Bin Yamani Company, Salco Laminates, Kingdom Wood, Modern Panel Factory for Wood (MOPATECH), Wajahat Al Riyadh for Wooden Industries and Riyadh Furniture Systems Workshop for Carpentry will showcase innovative products and services.
Among international names bringing their expertise and cutting-edge products to the event are Euroforest from Slovenia, American Softwoods from the US, Pollmeier from Germany, Pfeifer Timber from Austria, Ligna Décor from Türkiye and Rothoblaas from Italy, among others.
Wood Hala Chats create awareness
The event will also feature a comprehensive talks program called ‘Wood Hala Chats’ where speakers will drive awareness sessions focusing on sustainability, digitization and automation in the woodworking industry.
Some of the sessions include the realization of a luxury free form timber construction project at the Red Sea led by Jephtha Schaffner, Head of Project Management Free Form Project development, Blumer Lehmann. In another session Ahmed Shalaby, Board Member, Core Interior Solutions will spotlight the sustainable and efficient advancements in mass production techniques for wood, as well as Yahia El Gizawi, Founder & CEO, TechnoFurn Middle East (UAE) will highlight the need for digitizing and integrating processes for retail furniture and projects.
The inaugural edition of Saudi Wood Expo is supported by Strategic Partners, American Hardwood Export Council, Malaysian Timber Council; Associations, American Softwoods and Quebec Wood Export Bureau; Gold Sponsor, SIMCO; and Sustainable Partner, Desert Board.
"Saudi Wood Expo has rapidly positioned itself as a key event in the industry, mirroring the increasing demand and importance of the wood and woodworking sector in Saudi Arabia. The strong interest and excitement around the inaugural edition have already led to the announcement of the second edition's dates. As we prepare to host the first edition of Saudi Wood Expo, we're equally thrilled to announce that the event will return from 1 – 3 September 2025," Kazi concluded.
Registrations are now open for Saudi Wood Expo and co-located Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo. Admission is free for trade and industry professionals aged 18 and above. For more information and to register
