KOTA KINABALU: Variation in temperature and humidity in the Middle East requires wood species that are properly kiln, dried and treated, said Khairul Anwar of Malaysian Timber Council.
He said high disposable and per-capita income in the Middle East also offers huge potential for outdoor furniture, where many Middle East capital cities have long shorelines which create demand for outdoor furniture.
“Majority of European tourists prefer to frequent tourist spots in the Middle East to take advantage of bright sunny days, soaring demands during the holiday period.
“High net worth individuals buy free-hold residential properties in the Middle East which has open or large garden and private beach which requires extensive use of exclusive outdoor wooden furniture,” he said in his working paper entitled ‘Market for Outdoor Furniture in Middle East’ at a seminar on ‘Sabah Furniture Industry – A potential Hub For Outdoor Furniture’ at the Grand Ballroom of Pacific Sutera Harbour yesterday.
Khairul added that upcoming tourist projects in UAE, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the other places would require a big supply of wooden outdoor furniture.
For example, outdoor furniture market in UAE is created by Indonesia, Spain and Italy. The furniture includes dining table sets, sofas and reclining chairs and long beds.
The highest sales are reported close to Eid celebration and also Christmas, but market slows down from June to September as residents and tourists have their summer leave to escape the harsh summer.
“We should be looking at the market prospects. Many products are suitable for the Middle East, for example metal outdoor furniture are suitable for stationary furniture such as park bench and tables. However, it is not feasible during summer as it gets heated up easily under the bright sun.
“Plastic outdoor furniture may be lightweight and portable but it will not withstand the Middle Eastern summer. While the synthetic rattan is factory-finished and easy to assemble and maintain compared to natural rattan which cracks and shreds in warm weather,” he said.
Khairul stressed Meranti is most commonly used for wooden furniture in various hotels and resort projects.
Projects using outdoor furniture in the Middle East are Jumeirah Beach Road Dubai, Emirates Hills Dubai, Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Al Mamzar Dubai, Yas Marina Abu Dhabi, Reem Island Abu Dhabi, The Wave Oman, Bustam Palace Oman, Grand Hyatt Oman, Sharm al Sheikh Eygpt, Aqaba jordan and Byblos and Anjar Lebanon.