interview with Hamed Najafizadeh, Export and Commercial Director of Ravand Carpet
Compared to the previous year, Iran’s participation in DOMOTEX Dubai 2025 faced serious challenges. In 2024, the presence of strong exhibitors from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia brought significant international attention to the event. These companies successfully attracted foreign buyers and generated notable engagement. However, this year, the exhibition mainly featured only Iranian companies, and the absence of competitive Turkish and Arab brands led to a dramatic decline in foot traffic and foreign visitor interest at Iranian booths.
According to Hamed Najafizadeh, Export and Commercial Director of Ravand Carpet and a seasoned expert in Iran’s machine-made carpet industry, the main setback lies in the lack of professional international branding and the continued reliance on outdated marketing strategies.
“While Turkish companies actively embraced modern marketing tools and hosted private meetings across Dubai to attract foreign clients, most Iranian producers are still trapped in old-fashioned methods of product promotion,” Najafizadeh explains.
He also highlights another pressing issue:
“Due to extreme currency fluctuations and international trade disruptions, the Iranian domestic market can no longer be relied upon. Simultaneously, exporters are facing unhealthy pricing competition. Some foreign buyers now request prices in Iranian rials instead of US dollars — a trend caused by the poor pricing behavior of a few domestic companies, and one that seriously harms the integrity of Iran’s export sector.”
Despite the current downturn, Najafizadeh remains optimistic about the future of the industry:
“Iran’s carpet industry still holds tremendous potential, but it needs a strategic shift. Investment in research and development (R&D), innovative design, and digital marketing are essential. We must build strong international brands to remain competitive.”
As a practical recommendation for Iranian exhibition organizers abroad, Najafizadeh proposes the launch of a professional digital exhibition platform:
“With the high cost of physical exhibition participation, especially for Iranian producers, a robust online expo would allow companies to showcase their full product range to global buyers more efficiently and affordably.”
If embraced, this approach could pave the way for a more inclusive, modernized path forward for Iranian carpet exporters.
