US sanctions banning the import of Iranian carpets, even through other countries, has had a significant effect on the number being produced.
But the sanctions, introduced in September 2010, had little effect on the Iranian government as most of the carpets were made by people in rural areas and not sold through large government corporations.
Before the sanctions, the value of Persian carpets imported by the United States was estimated to be about US$41 million (Dh150m).
According to the Iranian news agency Mehr News, the UAE, Germany, Japan, Lebanon and Qatar are the top five importers of Iranian handmade carpets, with a 52 per cent market share worth $160m.
The head of the Iranian National Carpet Centre told the news agency in December that the export value reached $556m last year.
* Mitya Underwood
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
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Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
