"🇦🇪From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: UAE's Demand for Gold, Jewelry and Textiles from Turkey"

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Demand for Gold, Jewelry, and Textiles from Turkey Introduction: The UAE's Place in Global Trade The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed rapidly since the 1970s, becoming one of the most important centers of world trade. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, hold a critical position not only regionally but also globally. Dubai is known as the heart of the gold and jewelry trade. Along with London, Zurich, and Hong Kong, it is one of the world's largest bullion and jewelry trading centers. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, stands out for its state-supported investments, infrastructure projects, and luxury consumption. This situation presents significant opportunities for Turkey, both within the framework of historical ties and current trade relations. Turkey's Role in the UAE's Demand for Gold and Jewelry The Center of Gold Trade: Dubai DMCC The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in Dubai is one of the world's most important platforms for gold trading. Annual trading volume reaches hundreds of billions of dollars. Not only gold bullion, but also jewelry and processed products are bought and sold here. Turkey’s advantage: The jewelry centers of Gaziantep, Istanbul and Kahramanmaraş are known for their handcraftsmanship and design power. Turkey is a strong player in the UAE not only with its raw materials but also with its design, processing and brand value.  📊 Table 1 – Turkey–UAE Gold & Jewelry Exports (2021–2025)YearExport Value (USD)Notes2021820 millionRise after the pandemic2022950 millionIncreasing jewelry demand20231.02 billionTurkish brands are more visible in DMCC20241.15 billionDemand increase during the Hajj and Umrah period2025*1.3 billion (estimate)Gold bullion + processed jewelryTextiles and Fashion: Turkey’s Power in the UAEFashion Capital DubaiDubai hosts millions of tourists with the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Shopping malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates) appeal not only to the local population but also to millions of visitors from Africa, Asia and Europe. Turkey stands out with its price/quality balance, fast delivery and ability to closely follow trends. Abu Dhabi’s Demands Abu Dhabi is mostly interested in the luxury segment and corporate textile products. In particular: Hotel textiles (bed linens, curtains, towels) Workwear for public institutions High-quality cotton and silk products 📊 Table 2 – Turkey’s Textile Exports to the UAE (2023 Data) Product GroupExport Value (USD) Share (%) Home textiles 430 million 40% Ready-to-wear 370 million 35% Accessories & other 270 million 25% Dubai – Abu Dhabi Axis: Consumer Culture While consumers in Dubai mostly demand gold for investment purposes and fashion-oriented jewelry; Consumption in Abu Dhabi is focused on luxury and prestige. Dubai: A popular destination for global investors, gold-based trade. Abu Dhabi: Luxury consumption fueled by oil revenues, especially textiles and jewelry. Turkey has a product range suitable for both of these different profiles.  SWOT Analysis📊 Table 3 – SWOT Analysis of Turkey in the UAE MarketStrengthsWeaknessesQuality production, certification powerLow number of brand showrooms in the UAEGeographical proximity & fast deliveryIntense global competitionTraditional ties & cultural harmonyInsufficiency of marketing investmentsOpportunitiesThreatsIncrease in gold and jewelry tradeSwitzerland & Competition from India, Proximity to textile and fashion trends, Global price fluctuations, Tourism growth after Expo 2020, Regulatory changes, Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond, According to experts, Turkey's gold and jewelry exports to the UAE will exceed 1.5 billion USD, and textile exports will exceed 1 billion USD in the post-2025 period. This is because tourism and shopping culture are rapidly growing in the UAE. The Hajj and Umrah periods consistently boost jewelry and textile sales. Confidence in Turkish products has risen even further in recent years. Conclusion: The trade route stretching from Dubai to Abu Dhabi offers significant opportunities for Turkish manufacturers. Turkey, with its quality, flexibility, and fast delivery capabilities, will continue to be a strong long-term player in this market, both in the gold and jewelry sector and in textile and fashion. 👉 E5 Global Trade connects Turkish manufacturers with importers in the UAE, enabling them to establish new business connections and increasing export volume.