European Sawmills Eye Middle Eastern Construction Boom

February 24, 2025
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Forestry

Saudi Arabia and Egypt are planning huge construction projects that could change their cities in big ways. This means they will need a lot of building materials, including wood. European sawmills, which cut logs into usable lumber, see this as a chance to sell more of their products.

Saudi Arabia wants to modernize and become a major center for tourism and business, similar to Dubai. To do this, they have announced several large construction projects. However, many of these projects are still in the planning stages. Amir Rashad, an expert from Timber Exchange, a Swedish company that monitors wood prices, says that while these projects are promising, the real construction boom hasn’t started yet.

One of the most talked-about projects is NEOM, a futuristic city that aims to showcase innovation and sustainability. If it moves forward, it will require a lot of building materials, including timber.

Egypt is also planning major urban developments. The government wants to build new cities and expand existing ones to support a growing population and boost the economy. These plans will likely increase the demand for construction materials, providing an opportunity for timber suppliers.

European sawmills are known for producing high-quality timber and have efficient systems to deliver their products. They are well-positioned to meet the needs of these Middle Eastern projects.

However, entering these markets isn’t without challenges. Companies need to understand local building rules and cultural practices. Building strong relationships with local partners can help ensure success and compliance with regional standards.

Globally, there’s a growing focus on environmentally friendly building practices. Timber, being a renewable resource, fits well with this trend. The Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is beginning to move away from traditional concrete and steel construction in favor of timber. Reports indicate that imports of plywood and other timber products to cities like Dubai and Riyadh have tripled over the past year, highlighting a shift towards greener building materials.