How to Find New Export Markets for Russian Furniture
In recent years, the Russian furniture market has faced a contraction in domestic demand, prompting companies focused on sustainable development to explore opportunities in foreign markets. In this context, exports are no longer an alternative option but a core element of long-term growth strategies. Despite global economic turbulence, there are still markets with growing economies and favorable business environments that remain attractive for Russian manufacturers.
One such direction is the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Saudi Arabia stands out as the key market in the region the largest economy in the Middle East, with a GDP exceeding USD 1 trillion and one of the world’s most extensive markets for new construction and commercial real estate.
Saudi Arabia: Demand Backed by Data
Market development is largely driven by the implementation of the government-led Vision 2030 program, aimed at economic diversification, urban infrastructure development, tourism, and housing construction. The program includes a portfolio of megaprojects with a total value exceeding USD 1.1 trillion, such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya, and ROSHN.
According to international consultants, Saudi Arabia will require between 800,000 and 1 million new residential units (apartments and houses) by 2030. This creates sustained demand not only for construction materials but also for furniture, interior solutions, lighting, and contract furniture. The Saudi home furniture market was estimated at approximately USD 7.7 billion in 2024 and remains highly import-dependent.
Practical Participation: Experience of Russian Companies
The growing interest of Russian companies in GCC markets is confirmed by their participation in major international industry exhibitions.
At INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025, the Moscow Export Center (MEC) collective stand featured the architectural bureau IND. With over 17 years of experience in architecture and interior design, the company presented a portfolio of completed projects for international brands including L’Oréal, Hyundai, Dyson, and Raiffeisen Bank. L’Oréal, Hyundai, Dyson и Raiffeisen BankParticipation in the exhibition enabled the company to establish direct contacts with potential clients and partners in the region.
Within the same exhibition, METTA one of Russia’s largest manufacturers of office chairs participated as part of the Moscow pavilion. For METTA, INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025 served as a market entry tool for Saudi Arabia, supporting distributor search and the formation of a contract base in the office furniture segment.
Experience from INDEX Dubai 2025 also demonstrates market interest in Russian solutions. The company Baikal DK showcased natural materials such as charoite, jade, and ophicalcite. According to company representatives, participation facilitated professional dialogue with architects, designers, and distributors and confirmed strong demand for Russian materials in the premium interior segment.
Sales Channels and the Project Segment
Despite the development of retail and online sales channels — including Amazon.sa, Noon, IKEA online, HomeBox, and Danube Home — the largest procurement volumes in the region are concentrated in the project segment: commercial real estate, hospitality, and government projects. Access to this segment is largely achieved through participation in specialized international exhibitions and direct business networking.
The Role of Professional Exhibitions
INDEX Dubai and INDEX Saudi Arabia are the leading industry platforms in the MENA region, bringing together furniture and interior solution manufacturers, architectural studios, developers, and procurement professionals from the project sector. Participation in these exhibitions allows companies to assess market conditions, present products to a targeted audience, and build a foundation for long-term market presence.
Institutional export support
A significant role in supporting Russian companies’ international expansion is played by the Russian Export Center (REC), which provides direct co-financing for participation in international exhibitions.
As part of INDEX Dubai participation, REC support includes:
- co-financing of 50% of costs for large companies and up to 80% for SMEs related to booth construction and exhibition services within the national collective stand;
- co-financing of 50% of costs for large companies and up to 80% for SMEs for transportation of exhibition samples, including customs clearance and insurance.
In addition, REC covers 100% of costs related to exhibition space rental, organization and administration of the national collective exposition, business program implementation, information promotion, as well as attracting foreign potential buyers and organizing B2B meetings.
In 2026, participation of Russian companies in INDEX Dubai may once again be supported by REC. Applications are open until the end of January, and the upcoming exhibition will mark Russia’s fourth collective participation at this event.
Conclusion
The practical experience of Russian companies demonstrates that Gulf markets represent a real and promising direction for export strategy development. With systematic preparation, participation in industry exhibitions, and the use of institutional support tools, Russian manufacturers can secure sustainable positions in one of the world’s most dynamically developing economic regions.
Practical information
Learn more about participation in INDEX Dubai and INDEX Saudi Arabia:
Official partner for the CIS markets - Profex Group
Telegram channel covering MENA furniture and interior markets:
https://t.me/ProfexGroupLiving
Official Website:
www.profexgroup.com