Saudi Arabia Curtain Market: Flame Retardant (FR) Demand in HORECA & Project-Based Contracts

Saudi Arabia’s Curtain Market: Flame Retardant (FR) Demand in HORECA & Project-Based Contracts

Introduction

Saudi Arabia’s booming hospitality and commercial construction sectors—powered by Vision 2030 investments and mega-projects—have significantly boosted demand for curtains and decorative textiles. In HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes) and large-scale project-based contracts, flame retardant (FR) curtains are not only preferred—they are often mandatory by regulations for safety. Turkish textile exporters have a golden opportunity to meet this specialized demand, provided they provide products that align with design trends, pricing expectations, and safety compliance.

Overview of Saudi Arabia’s HORECA & Project Curtain Market

📊 Table 1: Saudi Curtain Market Overview (2024)

A significant majority (~70%) of demand comes from imports, especially in the FR-certified segment—a clear opportunity for exporters.

Flame Retardant (FR) Requirement in Saudi Arabia

• Regulatory Framework: Saudi fire safety regulations require FR textiles in public venues and hospitality settings. Compliance with NFPA 701 (US) or EN 13773 (EU) is strongly preferred.

• Certifications in Demand:

  Standard	Origin	Common Use
  NFPA 701	USA	Hotels, public assembly spaces
  EN 13773	EU	Restaurants, corporate venues
  SABER	Saudi	Mandatory import hallmark for many textiles

• Testing Labs: Certifications from ACC, TUV, Intertek, or Saudi-authorized labs speed up customs clearance and are often required by contracting firms.

Price Segments for FR Curtains in Saudi Arabia

📊 Table 2: Price Segments (USD per m²)

The mid and premium segments dominate procurement in HORECA and project tenders, valuing both cost-effectiveness and top-tier safety.

Standard Sizes & Project Requirements

• Common curtain panel sizes in Saudi projects: 150x280 cm, 160x300 cm (room spaces), with broad custom size requests depending on architecture.
• Blackout FR curtains are obligatory in hotel rooms; decorative sheer FR curtains are increasingly used in lobbies and public interiors.
• Projects often demand bulk orders aligned with infusion contracts and consistent FR certification.

Import Trends & Design Preferences

• Import Leaders: Turkey and China lead imports, with Turkey highly appreciated for quality and certification transparency.
• Design Trends: Neutral and warm tones (taupe, beige, muted gold); geometric patterns and modest luxury aesthetics dominate. Sustainability (fire-resistant fabrics with eco-credentials) are a growing consideration for premium hotels.
• Project Pipeline: Initiatives like Riyadh Metro, Vision 2030 hospitality developments, and NEOM include multiple large-scale contracts seeking FR textiles.

📊 Table 3: Supplier Comparison

Risks & Challenges

• Stringent safety standards and evolving regulations can complicate certification processes.
• Saudi contracting groups often require long payment cycles and tender-based pricing negotiations.
• Competition from low-cost producers may challenge margins in budget segments.
• Customs procedures (SABER registration) and logistics may involve heavy administrative processes.

Strategic Recommendations for Turkish Exporters

1. Target Mid+Premium Segments: Engage with reputable hotel chains, contractors, and interior designers.
2. Obtain FR Certification: Secure NFPA 701 and/or EN 13773 validations and SABER registration in advance.
3. Offer Design Customization: Emphasize middle-eastern chic and sustainable fabric options.
4. Local Partnerships: Collaborate with Saudi interior contractors or purchasing consortia to boost credibility.
5. Project Tender Engagement: Monitor Vision 2030 RFPs and proactively position in early bidding rounds.
6. Leverage Showcases: Attend international trade fairs like Index Saudi to elevate brand visibility.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s HORECA and project-based market for FR curtains offers high potential for certified exporters. The convergence of safety regulation, ambitious projects, and rising hospitality demand creates fertile ground for Turkish textile businesses that offer high quality, reliable delivery, and certified compliance.

Expand into Saudi Market with E5 Global Trade

E5 Global Trade empowers exporters to navigate this rewarding market:

• Showcase FR-certified curtain solutions to Saudi HORECA and project buyers.
• Connect with contractors, hotels, and architects across major developments.
• Simplify compliance with SABER certification and safety testing.
• Secure high-impact, long-term project contracts.

👉 Ready to expand your curtain export business in Saudi Arabia? Partner with E5 Global Trade now and redefine your presence in the HORECA and project markets of the Gulf region.