Portugal expects furniture exports to Saudi Arabia grow manifold, strengthening its foothold in the region

Riyadh – Sept 7, 2023

: The Portuguese Association of Wood and Furniture Industries (AIMMP) presents leading wood and furniture companies from the southern European country to showcase their premium products at Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia 2023, the Kingdom's premier interior design, furniture and fit-out trade event. The exhibition is taking place alongside the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, the sector’s largest trade event in the KSA, at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 10 to 12, 2023.

A high-profile Portuguese delegation, led by Mr. Vítor Poças, President of the AIMMP, is visiting the Kingdom aimed to strengthen the foothold of the Portuguese brands and products in the region. Under the theme "the Best of Portugal", the leading manufacturers and brands under the AIMMP will showcase luxury products, fully designed and manufactured in Portugal, at its pavilion set up at Hall 2 (Stands A131 & E160) and at Hall 4 (Stand E430) of the Exhibition Centre.

In addition to this, the AIMMP is organizing Wood (design) talks for participants of INDEX Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre. The industry talks feature Mr. Tiago Sousa, Creative Director and Founder of Nauu Design, leading a session titled “The Use of Social Media in Design” on Sept 11, 2023, at 7.10 pm.

Another industry leader Mr. Carlos Mello, Designer and Founder of MainGUILTY, will conduct a session titled “The Power of Personality and the Role of Soft Skills in Design” on Sept 12, 2023, at

“With our participation at the INDEX Saudi Arabia and the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, we aim to capitalize on market opportunities with the boost in the tourism and real estate sectors of the Kingdom. This will also help us forge new partnerships, build inroads into the regional markets, and enhance our presence with multiple ranges of luxury furniture. Some manufacturers and brands will unveil their new products at this platform, highlighting Portugal’s diverse and innovative product range, and seeking new business partnerships in the Middle East market,” said Mr. Vítor Poças.

Speaking about the Portuguese wood and furniture industry, he added, “Our wood and furniture industry offers an unparalleled variety of products of proven quality and excellent design, making it possible to provide integrated solutions to fully satisfy the ever changing technical demands and creativity of architects and designers. In recent years, we have shown a new approach and a high degree of dynamism and creativity in wood building materials, furniture, and interior design. Today, Portugal is well positioned to become one of the major global suppliers of these products.”

“Our industry possesses great experience and tradition as well as remarkable flexibility. This is backed up by a significant group of top-quality companies with knowledge of international markets, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology, constantly investing in research and development of products manufacturing processes, and new designs. AIMMP's mission is to represent, promote, and protect the interests of Portuguese companies from the five sectorial divisions that make up the wood and furniture sector: wood cutting, felling, sawing, and wood packing; panels, other wood derivatives, and biomass energy; carpentry and alike; furniture and alike; export, import, and distribution of wood and derivatives. These industries export EU 3.03 billion per year,” Mr. Poças elaborated.

Our pioneering work with the best names in Portuguese design is based on the combination of a timeless and modern aesthetic with the ultimate goal of creating products that become more beautiful over time, intending to be passed down from generation to generation.” he concluded.

The line-up of Portuguese brands includes AM Living group, a six-decade-old trusted brand; ARC, which has presence in 15 countries, ARQ TAILOR’S that stands out for its elegant and timeless pieces; Casa Magna, which brings a twist to the design furniture concepts; Cicodoor, a market leader from the central region of Portugal; DeFontes, a family business with over 40 years in the market; Emotional Brands, a distinguied Portuguese creative design studio; Fagotel, which undertakes interior projects for over 20 years; Flumen - Decor In White, a master furniture designer; Lumber, specialist in Brazilian tropical wood products; MainGUILTY, dubbed the world’s spiciest brand combining art and design; Mamoa, a brand defined by the artistry of local artisans; MBN Group, which has a great capacity to adapt to distinct markets; Mindol, a family-owned business for over 50 years, Muranti, which presents elegance and sophistication in its collection; NAUU Design, founded by industry veterans Mário Picoito and Tiago de Sousa; Sentta by Fenabel, a legacy brand from Portugal; Ribadao Wood Boutique, founded in 1976 by the Tavares family in Viseu region; and X8 Solutions Group, which provides premium and singular peices to customers. More insights are provided in the brochure and on https://youtu.be/B76GR_ugI3w.