8 - 10 September 2026

Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC)

Booming woodworking industry in MENA: Trends, Local Innovations & Key Events

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  • Running from 1 – 3 September the event will welcome more than 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries including Canada, China, Egypt, Italy, Türkiye and the USA
  • American Softwoods, GUMACO, ITCO, Slabh and Quebec Wood Export Bureau among key exhibiting brands joining the event
  • Kingdom’s $1.25 trillion construction pipeline drives new demand for timber and wood solutions (Source: Knight Frank)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 17 August 2025: Saudi Arabia’s booming construction sector, backed by over $1.25 trillion in planned or active projects, is fuelling a sharp rise in demand for wood and woodworking solutions across commercial and residential developments (Source: Knight Frank).

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With mega and giga projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Expo 2030 Riyadh, King Salman Park, New Murabba and The Mukaab at full pace, the country is experiencing an unprecedented requirement for high-quality wood materials and manufacturing equipment.  Against this burgeoning demand, Saudi Wood Expo returns to the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 1 to 3 September 2025. Organized by dmg events and powered by Big 5 Construct Saudi, the trade fair is positioned as the largest and most trusted gathering for wood and woodworking professionals in the Kingdom, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers and contractors from across the world.

With exclusive showcases, international product launches and strategic support from key partners and associations, including the Quebec Wood Export Bureau, American Hardwood Export Council, American Softwoods and Malaysian Timber Council, among others, Saudi Wood Expo brings opportunities that will reshape the industry’s decision-making process. Leading brands, including GUMACO, ITCO, Proadec and Salco Laminates, among others, from over 30 countries will showcase over 3,500 products and solutions. The exhibition also features several national pavilions, with representation from Canada, China, Egypt, Italy, Türkiye and the USA.

“Saudi Wood Expo offers a strategic meeting ground that supports the Kingdom’s ambitions by connecting serious buyers with innovative suppliers and international manufacturers from 1 – 3 September 2025,” said Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. “With Vision 2030 fast-tracking large-scale developments and urbanization, the demand for high-performance, sustainable wood solutions is accelerating. This event enables key stakeholders to access the latest technologies and establish partnerships that will shape the future of construction and manufacturing in the region. Timed to lead the annual industry calendar, Saudi Wood Expo sets the stage for the year’s deals, partnerships and product launches, ensuring attendees benefit from being first to market.”

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A booming market with rising standards

Saudi Arabia is among the Middle East’s largest importers of wood and woodworking machinery, with the sector valued at approximately $1 billion in 2025 (Source: Statista). A significant share of imports originates from China, the USA, Finland and Thailand, with growth driven by expanding residential developments, hospitality zones, mixed-use infrastructure and fit out works (Source: World Bank WITS Data). The growing focus on eco-friendly materials and certified wood sourcing is also transforming the supply chain landscape, as companies seek solutions that meet both commercial and environmental standards.

Saudi Wood Expo caters to this demand by showcasing an extensive display of over 3,500 products and solutions, including timber, hardwood, softwood, wood composites, laminates, edge banding, woodworking machinery, power tools, coatings, adhesives, flooring, decking and prefab doors and windows.

Local and international expertise in the spotlight

In line with Saudi Arabia’s diversification plans and push toward local manufacturing, Saudi Wood Expo provides a trade event for companies to explore production opportunities, local sourcing strategies with international technologies that enhance build quality and design flexibility.

Notable exhibitors participating at the event include SIMCO, a leading supplier of industrial machinery for wood, steel, aluminium and glass processing; Saudi Wooden Industries, one of the Kingdom’s largest distributors of wood and building materials; Salco Laminates, a regional powerhouse in melamine-faced boards and laminates, known for European-standard quality and design; Binderholz, Europe’s leading producer of solid wood and CLT solutions with a zero-waste philosophy; Simonin, a designer of high-end timber structures and components; and Greatwood, a specialist in kiln-dried firewood and timber products, supplying retailers and merchants across the UK.

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Running from 1 – 3 September, Saudi Wood Expo is the largest dedicated event in the Kingdom, catering to the entire wood and woodworking value chain. Recognized for its strong industry impact, the 2024 edition has been shortlisted for Best Exhibition under 10,000 sqm at the Saudi Event Awards 2025, a notable achievement that underscores the events growing influence and solidifies its position as the trusted meeting place for wood professionals across Saudi Arabia.

Visitor registration is now open. Attendance is free for all verified industry professionals. Attendees must be over 18 years of age.

For more information or to register, visit: www.saudiwoodexpo.com

Inaugural Saudi Wood Expo set to elevate the Kingdom’s wood and woodworking sectors as Vision 2030 drives growth

  • The event will connect 7,500+ visitors with more than 130 exhibitors from over 30 countries
  • Founding partners ITCO and GUMACO along with exhibitors such as Pollmeier, Pfeifer Timber, Ligna Décor, Rothoblaas, Good Wood and more, bring unique products to the event
  • The event will feature country pavilions from China, Canada, Egypt, Italy and Türkiye
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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