Exports from Turkey’s Western Mediterranean region to Dubai have seen a remarkable surge this year, according to data from the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB). While exports to Dubai amounted to $1.4 million in the first nine months of last year, the figure skyrocketed to $12.8 million during the same period in 2025.
BAİB Chairman Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu told Anadolu Agency (AA) that exporters from Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur have been working intensively to diversify their markets. He emphasized that overseas visits and meetings held at international trade fairs have had a positive impact on export performance.
Highlighting Dubai as a success story, Çavuşoğlu said exports to the emirate grew by 814% year-on-year as of the end of September. “When we look at Dubai, the figures may not seem huge in absolute terms, but the growth rate is significant. Our exporters have made great efforts — participating in fairs, organizing trade delegations, and engaging closely with this region. We attach great importance to this market,” he said.
Çavuşoğlu expressed confidence that exports to Dubai will continue to increase in the coming years. He noted that while the region exports many types of products to Dubai, fresh fruits and vegetables lead the way. “We need to further diversify the range of products we send,” he added.
Exports to Saudi Arabia Up Nearly 56%
Çavuşoğlu also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has become another key market showing strong export growth. Exports to Saudi Arabia rose from $40.9 million in the first nine months of last year to $63.8 million in the same period this year — an increase of 55.98%.
“With the normalization of relations between the two countries, we have achieved an export volume of over $60 million to Saudi Arabia. The country is now close to entering our top five export markets, which is very encouraging,” he said.
He added that marble, fresh fruits, and vegetables are among the leading export items to Saudi Arabia.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök