Turkish construction companies in the UAE: A driving force in economic development

Currently, 11 Turkish construction companies rank among the world's top 200. As of August 2023, Turkish firms had completed 11,800 projects abroad, amounting to a total value of US $482 billion in 133 countries.¹ In terms of the number of companies, Turkey ranks second globally with 43 companies, following China, which leads with 81 firms. In the ranking based on international revenues, the Turkish contracting sector has ranked 8th in the world, ahead of countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan.²

Top 11 Turkish construction companies

Over the past two decades, Turkish construction companies have witnessed extraordinary growth in the international market. From 1972 to 2002, these firms handled projects worth US $50 billion, while in the past 20 years, their revenues have skyrocketed to US $430 billion. This growth highlights the industry's global significance and its positive impact on international employment opportunities for Turkish nationals. By 2023, 35,000 Turkish workers were employed abroad by Turkish construction firms, a number expected to reach 100,000 within five years.³ 

Turkish companies in the UAE
After years of political stagnation due to the Arab Spring, Turkey-UAE relations are on the rise again. Turkey, one of the UAE's largest trading partners, has driven an 800% increase in annual bilateral trade volume, which reached US $9 billion over the last seven years. The construction sector has significantly benefited from this growing partnership. Turkish companies have undertaken 141 projects in the UAE, worth approximately US $13 billion, covering sectors such as residential developments, tourism facilities, airports, railways and highways. 

A notable example of this collaboration is the US $300 million venture between Abu Dhabi Development Holding and Turkey Wealth Fund, signalling stronger ties in the future.⁴ 

While only 2.8% of Turkey’s construction turnover originates from the UAE, this figure does not reflect the sector's strategic importance. Many Turkish construction companies use Dubai as their regional hub, leveraging its location to expand into the broader Middle East market. 

Landmark project: Dubai Metro expansion
One of the most significant recent projects in the UAE is the Dubai Metro expansion, led by Turkish construction companies. The project involves expanding the existing metro by 15km (11.8 km above-ground and 3.2 km underground), with a budget of EUR 2.6 billion. Gülermak Construction, a major Turkish firm, is part of the Expolink consortium (alongside French Alstom and Spanish Acciona), which won the US$ 3 billion contract for the metro expansion ahead of Expo 2020. 

Through achievements like the Dubai Metro expansion and a robust portfolio of international projects, Turkish construction companies have established themselves as regional leaders and global players in the construction market. Their success continues to enhance Turkey's economic development and elevate its standing on the global stage. 

Currently, over 1,000 Turkish companies and 4,000 Turkish businessmen and directors are listed on ClarifiedBy. If your company seeks to explore opportunities in this thriving market, contact us today for access to comprehensive corporate records of leading Turkish construction firms operating in the UAE. 

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FOOTNOTES
1. https://istanbulticaretgazetesi.com/turk-insaat-sektorunde-20-yilda-430-milyar-dolarlik-hacme-ulasildi
2. https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/43-turk-firmasi-dunyanin-en-buyuk-250-muteahhitlik-firmasi-arasinda-yer-aldi
3. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/ticaret-bakani-bolat-turk-insaat-sektorunde-20-yilda-430-milyar-dolarlik-hacme-ulasildi/2973606
4. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/turk-insaat-sektorunden-bae-cikarmasi/2550306