With an annual carpet export value of $2.9 billion, Turkey stands as the world’s second-largest carpet exporter after China. Determined to further expand its share in global markets, Turkish exporters are accelerating their international marketing efforts — the latest step being a highly successful trade mission to Dubai.
Turkish Carpet Exporters Strengthen Their Presence in UAE
The Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ETHIB), within the framework of its Carpet Export Development UR-GE Project, organized a “Carpet Overseas Marketing Activity” in the United Arab Emirates from April 21 to 24, 2025.
A delegation comprising 9 leading Turkish carpet companies visited Dubai, coinciding with their attendance at the prestigious Domotex Middle East 2025 exhibition.
On April 23, Turkish exporters held over 200 B2B meetings with more than 30 major importers in Dubai, aiming to establish strong new business partnerships in the UAE — one of the top export markets for Turkish carpets.
Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of Aegean Exporters’ Associations and President of ETHIB, emphasized:
“We have taken significant steps to boost our carpet exports from the Aegean region to the UAE. The UAE continues to be a strategic and growing market for Turkish carpets.”
Focused Strategy for Future Growth
Eskinazi expressed gratitude for the contributions of Turkey’s Consulate General and Commercial Attachés in Dubai during the mission and stated:
“Participants had highly productive meetings with project-based buyers such as villa and hotel developers. We plan to organize further trade missions based on the strong demand from participating companies.”
He added that ETHIB’s UR-GE Carpet Project currently includes 17 companies, who have already completed specialized training programs on export sales skills and market research methods.
“In 2024, Turkey exported $95 million worth of carpets to the UAE. With this new mission, we aim to surpass $100 million in 2025.”
Other target markets for the UR-GE Project include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Participant Feedback
Hakan Yetiş – Gülseven Carpet:
“The trade mission, including B2B meetings and exhibition visits, was highly productive. We look forward to similar future activities.”
Ali Görkem Yiyen – Yüner Carpet:
“The UAE trade mission was fruitful. We recommend organizing future missions to the U.S. and U.K.”
Elif Kabak – Elif Nur Carpet:
“We conducted 20 B2B meetings, identifying 6 serious long-term prospects. It was an excellently organized professional event.”
Lütfü Kutlu – İsmail Özkul Carpets:
“The Domotex Middle East visit and business meetings exceeded expectations. We made potential deals with 16 out of 18 companies met.”
Mustafa Akarsu – Hendesi Yapı:
“The schedule was well-planned, aligning perfectly with the Domotex visitors. We believe future missions should also target project-based buyers.
