Following a successful year in 2024, in which Türkiye exported carpets to over 180 countries and generated $2.9 billion in revenue, Turkish carpet exporters are setting their sights on expanding into the United Arab Emirates with a targeted export value of $100 million.
As part of the Ministry of Trade-supported “Carpet UR-GE Project” led by the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ETHİB), a delegation of 16 representatives from 9 Turkish carpet companies will embark on a trade mission to the UAE from April 21 to 24, 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen commercial ties with the UAE and promote Turkish carpets for use in the region’s palaces, hotels, and mosques.
Strategic Growth Through Education and Promotion
ETHİB Coordinator Chairman Jak Eskinazi noted that the Carpet UR-GE Project is the Association’s third industry-specific development initiative. Following a comprehensive needs analysis, participating companies first received specialized training focused on export-oriented sales skills and market research techniques.
To further enhance visibility in international markets, the Association also produced a promotional film to highlight the quality, tradition, and innovation of Turkish carpet producers.
Focus on Mosque Carpets and Regional Demand
“The UAE is already our sixth-largest export destination in the carpet sector. In 2024, we increased our exports to the UAE by 7%, rising from $88 million to $95 million,” Eskinazi stated. “With this trade delegation, our goal is to push that number over $100 million.”
A significant portion of the participating companies are manufacturers of mosque carpets based in Demirci, Manisa, a region known for producing high-quality prayer rugs. The UAE’s strong demand for mosque carpets makes it an ideal target market for these producers.
Türkiye and UAE strengthen trade ties through carpet sector collaboration and strategic business meetings.
Broader Global Vision
In addition to the UAE, the UR-GE Project also targets other key international markets including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. ETHİB plans to organize future trade missions to these countries to further expand Türkiye’s global footprint in the carpet and flooring industry.
B2B Meetings and DOMOTEX Middle East
The trade delegation, organized by ETHİB under the name “Carpet Sectoral Trade Mission,” will also include B2B meetings between Turkish exporters and UAE-based importers. A visit to DOMOTEX Middle East 2025, held in Dubai from April 22–24, is also scheduled, providing Turkish companies with an opportunity to connect with key players from across the MENA region and showcase their latest innovations.
As Türkiye intensifies its carpet export strategy, the UAE trade mission is a crucial step toward increasing market share and establishing Turkish carpets as a top choice for high-end and religious spaces across the Middle East.
