Ulster Carpet Mills has secured orders worth more than �3m to supply luxury carpets to a number of prestigious hotels in the Middle East.

The refurbishment of the public areas of the world's first seven star hotel - the Burj Al Arab hotel Dubai - is the largest part of deal.

The contract was announced by Northern Ireland Economy Minister Reg Empey at a lunch for Arab business leaders in Dubai on Monday.

The Portadown company will also supply carpets for the public areas of the Meridian Hotel in Jordan.

'Global marketing'

Sir Reg said Ulster Carpet Mills had an impressive track record in what he described as one of the most demanding and competitive global markets.

"The company's outstanding achievements are the result of a dedication to excellence in all its operations," he said.

"Ulster Carpet Mills is now particularly well positioned to win further business from the projected growth in tourism in the Middle East."

Managing director of Ulster Carpet Mills, Mike Mills, said the contracts were the result of investment in a market which offers substantial business opportunities.

"The Middle East market demands commitment. We've built our business there by visiting the market regularly and by taking part in trade missions and sectoral exhibitions," he said.

"Companies wishing to develop long term business need to be active in the market."

New branding

Ulster Carpet Mills is exhibiting at a stand at the "Hotel Show" trade show in Dubai this week.

It is also showing examples of its carpets at the "Northern Ireland Pavilion" at the exhibition under the "Made and Designed in Northern Ireland" brand.

The Madini Hotel Works Pavilion, organised by the IDB's Trade International division, is the biggest of its kind at the exhibition, and features products and services from 23 Northern Ireland companies.

The new brand allows the best of the province's quality products and craftwork be showcased to hotel developers and specifiers in the Middle East, in a bid to offer them a total interior furnishings solution from Northern Ireland.

Linen contracts

The order for Ulster Carpet Mills was the second major boost for Madini companies at the exhibition.

A County Down linen weaver Liddell Limited, based in Donaghcloney, has announced it has secured a contract to supply luxury linen to Quatar Airways.

The company, which is one of Ireland's oldest and most successful linen weavers, has also won repeat business to make bed and table linens for the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.