Successful UAE Export Initiative by Aegean Carpet Exporters Turkey, the second largest carpet exporter in the world after China with an annual export of $2.9 billion, continues its marketing activities to increase carpet exports.
The Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB) organized a “Carpet Foreign Marketing Activity” in the United Arab Emirates from April 21-24, 2025, with the participation of nine companies involved in the Carpet Export Development UR-GE Project.
Aegean carpet exporters visited the Domotex Middle East Fair, one of the leading fairs in the global carpet industry, where they conducted over 200 bilateral business meetings with more than 30 importing firms in Dubai on April 23, 2025. Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations and President of the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Union, stated that they aim to establish new trade partnerships in the United Arab Emirates, an important market for the carpets produced and exported by the firms involved in the Carpet Export Development UR-GE Project. He emphasized that they have made significant strides in increasing carpet exports from the Aegean region to the UAE. Eskinazi expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Consulate General of Dubai and the Trade Attachés, stating, “On April 22, the visit to the Domotex Middle East Fair took place. During the fair visit, various machine-made carpets, rugs, handmade carpets, and textile floor coverings presented by the participating firms were reviewed, and discussions were held about potential collaborations. Our companies noted that they came to the right market and plan to increase their visits to the UAE to continue the established cooperation, while also reporting very positive meetings. Firms capable of producing project-based carpets for venues such as villas and hotels achieved successful discussions. They expressed requests for new marketing activity organizations from us.” Eskinazi further noted that 17 firms are participating in the Carpet UR-GE Project, which is supported by the Ministry of Trade: “After conducting a needs analysis within the project, we first provided training on ‘Improving Export-Oriented Sales Skills’ and ‘Market Research Methods.’ In the second phase, a promotional film was prepared to support firms’ advertisements in international markets. The ‘Carpet Foreign Marketing Activity’ brings us to the third phase of the project. The United Arab Emirates is one of the strong markets for our carpet exports. In 2024, we exported $95 million worth of carpets. We believe that with this delegation, we will exceed $100 million in carpet exports to the UAE. In our UR-GE Project, we have identified our other target markets as the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Our future marketing activity organizations will be organized in these countries.”
Firm Opinions:
Hakan Yetiş – Gülseven Carpet Inc.: “The organization of the UAE Carpet Sector Trade Delegation, which included bilateral business meetings and a fair visit, was great for the carpet sector. We want these kinds of programs to be repeated. We conducted productive bilateral business meetings. We believe these will lead to export contracts in the near future. We would like to thank the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Union.”
Ali Görkem Yiyen – Yüner Carpet Ltd.: “The UAE Carpet Sector Trade Delegation was productive for us. We hope the next trade delegation organizations will be to the United States and the United Kingdom.”
Elif Kabak – Elif Nur Carpet Inc.: “We held 20 bilateral business meetings in Dubai. Ten of these meetings were with importers suitable for our product profile. We believe that we can establish long-term working relationships with six importers. The trade delegation was organized by a very professional team. We thank everyone involved.”
Lütfü Kutlu – İsmail Özkul Carpets Inc.: “The visit to the Domotex Middle East Fair and bilateral business meetings were very productive. We conducted bilateral meetings with 18 firms under the trade delegation; we are in a position to do business with 16 of them. It was a more active organization than we expected. We want to see the continuation of such organizations.”
Mustafa Akarsu – Hendesi Yapı: “The schedule of the UAE Carpet Trade Delegation was very well planned. We had the opportunity to meet with importers who were in Dubai for the Domotex Fair. The profiles of the importing firms were mostly compatible for us. We believe that it will be beneficial to focus on project-based approaches in future events.”
