Turkey’s exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region saw a notable increase in February, primarily due to a substantial rise in shipments to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Exports to the UAE surged by 81 percent year-on-year, reaching nearly $600 million. This growth has pushed Turkish shipments to the Emirates in 2025 to approximately $1.46 billion, nearly double the amount recorded in the same period last year.

The impressive numbers for the UAE helped mitigate declines in Turkish sales to other GCC nations. Data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly indicated that the UAE now ranks as the eighth-largest destination for Turkish exports, trailing behind major partners like Germany, Italy, and the UK. This rise in trade suggests that Turkey could surpass the total of $8.3 billion in exports to the UAE achieved in 2024.

In contrast, exports to Qatar increased by 88 percent in February, but this amounted to only $99.5 million, significantly overshadowed by the UAE figures. Meanwhile, sales to Saudi Arabia rose by 12 percent to $278 million, which remains less than half of the exports to the UAE. Exports to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman saw declines, contributing a combined total of less than $60 million, only a fraction of the UAE shipments.

Mehmet Ali Akarca, chair of the Foreign Economic Relations Board’s Turkey-United Arab Emirates Business Council, attributed the surge in exports to the Gulf states’ initiatives to advance their industries, technology, and renewable energy sectors. He emphasized that the UAE’s strategy of increasing investments in non-energy sectors creates new opportunities for Turkish companies beyond traditional exports like jewelry and gold.

Akarca explained that the UAE’s geographical position, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi strategically located along global trade routes, provides a significant logistical advantage for businesses. The country boasts modern ports, air cargo facilities, and free trade zones that support the re-exporting of goods.

While the UAE’s demand for Turkish products is increasing, access to the Turkish market for UAE businesses has faced challenges. Recent negotiations, such as those for the takeover of Alsancak port in İzmir by Abu Dhabi Ports, have stalled due to disagreements over valuation. Additionally, delays have occurred in finalizing the sale of subsidiaries of the Turkish startup grocery delivery service Getir to the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company, with regulatory approval only granted in mid-March, eight months after the initial agreement.

On a more positive note, the acquisition of Odeabank, a smaller Turkish lender, by the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company was completed smoothly, with regulatory approval received at the end of March, indicating a potential improvement in the investment climate that could align with the growing export trade.