The Dubai Wood Show Forum 2025 is set to be a premier event for the global timber and forestry industry. It will bring together key stakeholders, thought leaders, and decision-makers from around the world.
Scheduled to take place alongside the Dubai Wood Show, there will be exclusive conference sessions, which will be co-hosted by Timber Exchange. With this forum, professionals from the timber, forestry, and woodworking sectors will gain exclusive insights and will provide a comprehensive overview of the market, including the latest trends and opportunities. Attendees will also be able to network with industry players and experts.
Whether you are an exporter, trader, investor, or importer, this event aims to offer valuable insights for all attendees.
Exploring Timber Markets in the Dubai Wood Show Forum 2025
With a lineup of 14 engaging sessions spanning the 3 days of the Dubai Wood Show (14 - 16 April 2025), visitors will get valuable insights into key timber markets within the global timber industry and discover emerging trends.
Highlights include:
- Insightful keynote speeches by top industry experts
- Panel discussions featuring the global lumber market
- Opportunities to network with decision-makers and stakeholders
- In-depth analysis of regional and global non-transparent markets
Key Sessions to Look Out For in 2025
This year’s agenda is packed with sessions that delve into the most critical aspects of the timber and forestry markets. Below are some of the key sessions to be featured:
Day 1:
North African Timber Market Outlook
Gain valuable insights into the North African timber market and its regional impact at this in-depth session. Scheduled for 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the discussion will feature industry experts Sabrina Maouche (Fiskarhedens Trävaru AB), Karim Gouda (Gouda Invest AB), and Guillaume Hotelin (Robelois), who will provide a comprehensive analysis of trade dynamics, production trends, and sustainability practices in the region. The session will explore key aspects such as regional trade dynamics, market trends, and the challenges in supply chain and logistics while also examining North Africa’s role in global timber markets.
Central European Timber Market Dynamics
The Central European Timber Market Dynamics session, scheduled for 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, will provide an in-depth look at the evolving timber trade in Central Europe, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Led by Gregor Triltsch, Sales Director Sawn Timber International at Pfeifer, and Mario Ehlers, Sales Director of Ilim Timber Europe, the session will examine market trends affecting sawmills, the impact of global demand and environmental regulations, and the role of sustainability in shaping the industry. It will also explore how Central European suppliers perceive the MENA market and the trade potential it holds for the region.
Scandinavian & Nordic Timber Market Insights
The Scandinavian & Nordic Timber Market Insights session, scheduled for 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the region’s timber industry, highlighting its role in global trade and sustainability. Featuring industry leaders Olle Berg, Executive Vice President of Market/Sales & Business Development at Setra Group, and Gustav Nyrén from ELE Group, the session will explore key market trends, production capacities, and the impact of sustainability regulations on timber production. Discussions will also cover export trends, international demand for Nordic timber, challenges faced by sawmills and processors, and the latest technological advancements shaping the industry.
MENA Timber Market Outlook
The MENA Timber Market Outlook session, scheduled for 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, will provide a deep dive into the evolving timber market landscape across the MENA region. Led by Amir Rashad, CEO & Founder of Timber Exchange, the session will examine key market trends, trade regulations, and investment opportunities in one of the world’s most significant timber import hubs. Discussions will focus on market demand for timber products, the role of key importers and exporters, and the impact of large-scale construction and infrastructure projects on timber consumption. Attendees will also gain insights into regulatory challenges affecting timber imports and explore strategies to enhance trade efficiency in the region.
Analysing the Global Ocean Freight Market
The Analyzing the Global Ocean Freight Market session, scheduled for 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the global ocean freight market and its impact on timber transportation. Featuring industry expert Patrik Patriksson, Senior Chartering Manager at DS Norden, and Jacob Lind (Gothenburg Chartering), the discussion will explore key market trends, supply-demand dynamics, and challenges affecting global trade logistics. The session will also examine rising freight costs and innovative strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency, offering valuable insights into navigating the evolving freight landscape.
Day 2:
North American Lumber Market Outlook
The North American Lumber Market Outlook session, scheduled for 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping North America's timber industry. Led by industry experts Russ Taylor (RUSS TAYLOR GLOBAL), Frank Turnbull (Mercer Timber Products), and David Trent (Canfor), the discussion will explore key supply-demand trends, export dynamics, and regulatory challenges affecting the sector. The session will also examine the impact of environmental policies on timber trade and highlight emerging growth opportunities within the North American market.
Indian and Pakistan Timber Market
The Indian and Pakistan Timber Market session, scheduled for 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, will provide a comprehensive analysis of timber trade dynamics in South Asia, with a particular focus on India and Pakistan. Industry leaders Abbas Ali (World of Timber), Ayush Gupta (Shree AK Impex LLP), and Shahzad Sabir (K.U. Trading Company) will offer valuable insights into local demand, production trends, and global trade opportunities. The discussion will explore key factors shaping the regional timber industry, including supply and demand drivers, the impact of trade policies on exports and imports, and competition among key supplying regions.
European Timber Market Outlook
Gain a forward-looking perspective on Europe’s timber industry in the European Timber Market Outlook session, scheduled for 3:45 PM to 4:30 PM. Led by Jesper Egsmark, Group Sourcing and Category Manager at STARK Group, this session will provide an in-depth analysis of trade patterns, market growth, and the evolving role of sustainability in shaping the industry. Discussions will cover key trends driving demand for timber products across Europe, the impact of sustainability initiatives, and the broader influence of European timber markets on global supply chains.
Global Lumber Market Forecast
The Global Lumber Market Forecast session, scheduled for 4:45 PM to 5:15 PM, will offer a comprehensive analysis of the global lumber industry, providing valuable insights into supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, and future market developments. Led by Amir Rashad, CEO & Founder of Timber Exchange, and Russ Taylor (RUSS TAYLOR GLOBAL) the session will explore current and projected global lumber demand, the key factors influencing prices and availability, and the regional growth drivers shaping markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Besides, it will examine the impact of sustainability initiatives and climate policies on the industry, along with predictions for trade shifts, investment trends, and emerging market opportunities. This session is essential for businesses looking to stay ahead of market fluctuations and capitalize on upcoming opportunities in the global lumber sector.
Day 3:
Packaging and Pallet Market and Trends
The Packaging and Pallet Market Trends session, scheduled for 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, will examine the critical role of packaging and pallets in timber logistics and transportation. Led by Thomas Gents from PalletBiz, the discussion will explore emerging trends shaping the industry, including the rising demand for sustainable and reusable packaging solutions, innovations in pallet design and materials, and the impact of standardization on global supply chains. The session will also address key challenges such as supply chain disruptions and cost fluctuations, while highlighting how evolving timber packaging trends influence the broader forestry and logistics sectors.
GCC & Levant Timber Market Trends
How the GCC region is shaping timber trade across the MENA region and beyond in this insightful session. Scheduled for 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM, the discussion will feature Vikash Nihalani (PVS) and Yahia Saidi (Al Essami), who will provide expert analysis on market dynamics, demand drivers, and evolving trade partnerships. The session will explore key factors influencing the GCC timber market, regional trade challenges and strategies to overcome them, and the growing role of sustainability initiatives in shaping the industry’s future.
The Future of Value-Added Timber in the MENA Region
As the demand for value-added timber products continues to rise, the MENA region is emerging as a key market with significant growth potential. Scheduled for 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM, this session will feature Turki Alotaibi, Chairman of Naqsh & Naqsh Factory, who will provide expert insights into how value-added timber is shaping the future of the regional industry. The discussion will explore the key drivers fueling demand, the challenges and opportunities in expanding this segment, and the role of trade policies in influencing market growth. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of value-added timber and its impact on the broader timber trade in MENA.
South American and Australian Timber Market Dynamics
The South American and Australian Timber Market Dynamics session, scheduled for 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the timber trade in these two key regions. Featuring industry experts Daniel Kokot (Berneck) and Ryan Wolters (CMPC), the discussion will explore the similarities and differences between the South American and Australian timber markets, highlighting production trends, trade flows, and regulatory influences. The session will also examine the role of international trade agreements in shaping market opportunities and address the growing emphasis on sustainable forestry practices and their impact on global exports. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging trends and potential growth areas in these dynamic timber markets.
Innovative Technologies in Timber and Forestry
Explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the timber and forestry industries in this dynamic session on Innovative Technologies in Timber and Forestry, scheduled from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM. Industry leaders Levi Farrand (Deep Forestry), Martin Schulze (BlueBox Systems), and Christoffer Johnsson (Taigatech) will share insights into the latest advancements, including AI, IoT, and remote sensing, and how these innovations are driving efficiency, sustainability, and smarter decision-making across the sector. The session will provide an overview of key technological breakthroughs, examine the adoption of digital solutions in timber operations, and showcase real-world case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of advanced technologies.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities for Global Timber Traders
The Dubai Wood Show Forum is not just about knowledge-sharing—it’s also a medium for networking and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry giants, explore potential partnerships, and engage in meaningful discussions that can drive growth and innovation in their businesses.
Plan Your Visit
The Dubai Wood Show Forum 2025 will be held in conjunction with the Dubai Wood Show, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It will surely provide you with world-class knowledge for smart informed actions to ensure an enriching and profitable experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative event. Register now and secure your spot.
Conclusion
Timber Exchange’s CEO and Founder, Mr. Amir Rashad, will moderate and facilitate each session of the Dubai Wood Show Forum. These exclusive conference sessions will feature market trends, technological advancements, and investment opportunities and deliver actionable insights straight to your inbox.
While you're there, be sure to visit the Timber Exchange booth (No - D05C). Our team of experts will be available throughout all three days to answer your queries and provide assistance. Give a trial of how our unique and advanced solutions can help address the bottlenecks in your timber trading business.
We look forward to seeing you there!
