Turkey Dominates Saudi Carpet Market as Iranian Exporters Face Major Challenges — Insights from Almas Kavir Carpet

In an exclusive interview with MENA Covering, Amir Entazari, Export Manager of Almas Kavir Carpet, shared a clear and candid assessment of the current carpet market in Saudi Arabia — a market he describes as “one of the largest and most attractive machine-made carpet markets in the world,” yet one where Iran’s presence has significantly declined.

Turkey Controls Over 90% of Saudi Arabia’s Carpet Market

According to Entazari, political tensions in past years created a vacuum that Turkey skillfully filled.

He notes:

“Saudi Arabia is a massive and strategic market. But after political tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Turkey captured more than 90% of the carpet market. They acted very strategically — building strong relationships, offering incentives, and maintaining an active presence.”

Turkish exporters, associations, and trade unions have consistently held events in Saudi Arabia, invited key buyers, and provided favorable commercial conditions — ensuring the market remains firmly in their hands.

Winning Back Market Share Will Require Serious Long-Term Strategy

Entazari believes that returning Iranian carpets to Saudi homes is possible — but only with consistent effort:

“Regaining market share won’t be easy, but it is not impossible. It requires professional planning, frequent presence, and long-term engagement with Saudi partners.”

He emphasized that Iranian companies must treat Saudi Arabia as a priority market driven by strong purchasing power, modern retail channels, and rapidly evolving design preferences.

Riyadh Exhibition: Small, Non-Specialized, and Poorly Promoted

Entazari also shared his experience at a recent exhibition in Riyadh, which he found far from the expectations set by its promotional materials.

“The exhibition consisted of a single hall divided into six unrelated sectors. Only one-seventh of the space was allocated to carpets and flooring. The event was non-specialized and very small.”

He added that marketing for the exhibition was extremely weak:

“Only residents of Riyadh seemed aware of the event. Visitors from other Saudi cities had no idea it was happening.”

According to Entazari, despite the strong potential of the Saudi market, exhibitors require well-organized and professionally promoted events to justify participation.

Visa and Travel Difficulties Still a Major Obstacle

In addition to market competition, logistical challenges also affect Iranian exporters:

“There are almost no direct flights unless through pilgrimage routes, which are unsuitable for business travel. Obtaining a visa was very difficult. However, we are beginning to see signs of improvement, and we hope this will soon facilitate carpet exports.”

Saudi Arabia Remains a High-Potential, High-Value Market

Entazari concludes that despite current obstacles, Saudi Arabia remains one of the most promising markets for machine-made carpets in the Middle East. With strategic planning, continuous market presence, and improved diplomatic conditions, Iranian manufacturers still have an opportunity to rebuild their position.