During ICFE Istanbul 2026, Behnam Ghasemi, Editor-in-Chief of MENA Covering, conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Ahmed Abbas, Marketing Manager at Artex Saudi Arabia. The discussion shed light on the company’s vertically integrated production capabilities, Saudi Arabia’s booming carpet market under Vision 2030, and the increasing role of innovation in a price-sensitive global industry.
A Fully Integrated Carpet Manufacturer
Artex Saudi Arabia operates under Artex Industrial Investment and has been active in the carpet industry for more than 40 years. The company manufactures a comprehensive range of carpet products, covering:
- Wilton carpets
- Axminster carpets
- Hand-tufted carpets
- Machine-tufted carpets
- Carpet tiles
- Primary and secondary backing
- Yarn production
This vertically integrated structure allows Artex to control quality across the entire production chain — from yarn to finished carpet.
“We produce all types of carpets,” Mr. Abbas explained. “From Wilton to Axminster, hand-tufted to tufted, including yarn and backing. Our strength is in covering the full spectrum.”
Strong Performance at ICFE Istanbul
Speaking on the second day of ICFE Istanbul, Mr. Abbas expressed strong optimism about the exhibition’s performance.
“Last year was good. This year is very good,” he stated. “We see the quality of the visitors and the quality of the people entering our booth. They know exactly what they need, and this is very important for our industry.”
According to Abbas, the professional nature of the attendees signals a maturing global market where buyers are focused, informed, and decisive.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Driving Market Expansion
A major focus of the interview was Saudi Arabia’s expanding flooring market under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
“It is very important now in Saudi Arabia because of Vision 2030,” Abbas emphasized. “The market is booming and very big due to construction projects, especially in hospitality and hotels. The sector is growing very fast.”
With large-scale infrastructure developments, giga-projects, and hospitality investments accelerating across the Kingdom, the demand for high-quality flooring solutions is rising rapidly.
For manufacturers like Artex, positioning within this expanding market is both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Also Read: ICFE Istanbul 2026: Turkey Launches UNESCO Bid for “Turkish Carpet” Heritage Status
Balancing Quality and Price: A Global Challenge
However, Abbas also acknowledged one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today: the increasing demand for high quality at lower prices.
“People want good quality with cheaper prices. It is a challenge,” he noted. “Cheap product usually means lower quality. But for manufacturers like us, we must make it happen.”
Rather than compromising on standards, Artex is focusing on innovation as the key survival strategy.
“With more innovation — not little innovation — we will survive,” Abbas added.
This emphasis on innovation highlights the broader industry trend toward efficiency improvements, new materials, and smarter production systems to maintain competitiveness.
Expanding Product Portfolio for Future Growth
Looking ahead, Artex is expanding its production capabilities to meet evolving market demands.
“Our vision for this year and next year includes strengthening our carpet tiles line, Axminster production, and hand-tufted carpets,” Abbas explained.
Hand-tufted carpets, in particular, are gaining importance in hospitality and luxury segments, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s rapid development of hotels and premium real estate.
ICFE: A Global Platform for the Next Decade
Mr. Abbas also emphasized the strategic importance of ICFE Istanbul.
“I believe ICFE is now the most important floor covering exhibition in the world — and it will remain so for at least the next ten years,” he stated.
As Istanbul continues to consolidate its role as a global hub for machine-made carpets and flooring solutions, manufacturers from the Middle East are increasingly leveraging the exhibition as a gateway to international markets.
With four decades of experience, full-spectrum production, and a forward-looking innovation strategy, Artex Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to capitalize on the rapid growth of the Gulf region while navigating the complex global balance between quality and cost.
