Ireland-UAE: A Celebrated Partnership of innovation and cultural exchange
As Ireland and the UAE mark a monumental milestone — 50 years of diplomatic relations — their deep and growing partnership stands as a testament to shared values, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange. From robust trade ties and educational exchanges to joint efforts in sustainability and innovation, the two nations have created a bond that transcends borders. The UAE has become a key partner for Ireland in the Gulf region, with remarkable achievements spanning various sectors, including healthcare, aviation, and renewable energy.
In an exclusive interview, Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, highlights the evolution of this special relationship, emphasising the key areas of cooperation that continue to shape the future of both nations.
Excerpts from an interview:
Ireland and the UAE share a deep and growing relationship. What are the key areas of cooperation between the two countries today?
We are truly delighted to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE. Ireland shares a special and long-standing relationship with the UAE, as both nations, despite being similar in geographic size, possess dynamic, open, and globalized economies with diverse communities. This strong foundation of shared values and similarities has fostered deep connections between our countries.
When discussing Ireland's relationship with the UAE, we often begin with the strong people-to-people ties that underpin our cooperation. For decades, Emirati students have pursued higher education in Ireland, particularly in medicine, through esteemed institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). Currently, 262 students from the UAE are studying in Ireland, continuing this rich tradition. Likewise, Ireland has a vibrant and engaged community in the UAE, further strengthening our bilateral relationship.
Another key pillar of our partnership is trade and investment. The Ireland-UAE bilateral trade in goods and services now stands at nearly €8 billion annually, making the UAE Ireland's largest trading partner in the Arab world. Irish businesses are active across multiple sectors in the UAE economy, including agri-food — where Ireland has contributed significantly to enterprises such as Al Ain Farms — aviation, fintech, and pharmaceuticals.
Ireland has also played a pivotal role in aircraft leasing, with many planes in the Emirati aerospace sector leased from Irish firms. Whether it be advisory service providers such as Saviday, or audio-visual companies such as Solas, Irish businesses are going from strength to strength here.
Furthermore, Emirati investors are increasingly interested in Ireland's technology, real estate, and equine industries.
Sustainability and climate action form another significant aspect of our partnership. Ireland and the UAE share a strong commitment to global climate diplomacy and the energy transition journey.
The Ireland-UAE relationship also extends to sports, where longstanding sponsorships from entities like Dubai Duty Free — thanks to the contributions of the late Colm McLoughlin and other Irish business leaders — have helped create deep sporting connections between our nations.
Furthermore, both Ireland and the UAE are dedicated to humanitarian efforts, maintaining robust aid commitments to support crisis-affected regions worldwide.
A testament to the strength of our trade ties is the remarkable presence of Irish food products in UAE supermarkets. Outside of Ireland and the UK, the UAE has the largest range of Irish food products available, reflecting our successful cooperation in the agri-food sector. Overall, Ireland and the UAE share not only strong economic and cultural ties but also fundamental values that continue to drive our partnership forward.
Saint Patrick's Day is a global celebration, but what does it mean for Ireland-UAE relations?
Ireland takes immense pride in its national day, Saint Patrick's Day, which is recognised and celebrated across the world. The significance of Saint Patrick's Day dates back to the 1700s, with parades and festivities taking place globally. Notably, the largest Saint Patrick's Day parade is held in New York, rather than Dublin, while the largest parade in Asia takes place in Tokyo. This global recognition reflects the deep cultural impact of Ireland, a country with a population of approximately 5.5 million, yet with over 70 million people around the world claiming Irish descent.
In the UAE, Saint Patrick's Day serves as a key platform for business and diplomacy. For the 12,500 Irish nationals residing in the UAE, Saint Patrick's Day is a special moment to come together and celebrate their heritage. Additionally, a significant milestone will be marked in April with a grand celebration at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. This event will not only honour Ireland's National Day but will also commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE, reinforcing the strong ties and shared values between the two nations.
With Ramadan and Saint Patrick's Day overlapping this year, how does Ireland recognise and engage with this holy month in the UAE?
As the first female Irish ambassador in the Gulf region, I feel incredibly privileged to be living in a country where I have the opportunity to experience and appreciate Ramadan. It is a truly special time, and I have developed a deep admiration for the holy month.
What stands out to me about Ramadan is its profound tradition of bringing families, friends, and communities together, particularly during Iftar and Suhoor. I feel honoured to have gained a deeper understanding of the significance of Ramadan for the communities that observe it. The values of fasting, prayer, and charity that define this sacred month hold universal importance, and it is inspiring to witness these traditions firsthand. Additionally, my team at the embassy and I are deeply honoured to participate in preparing Iftar meals at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This will undoubtedly be a meaningful experience, reflecting the strong humanitarian values that both Ireland and the UAE share.
How has the Irish community contributed to the UAE's success story?
I am incredibly proud to work in a country where great Irish pioneers and ambassadors have made significant contributions before me. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the strong ties between Ireland and the UAE.
One of the most remarkable contributions of the Irish community in the UAE has been in public service, particularly in education and healthcare. Irish teachers, doctors, and nurses played a crucial role in the early development of the UAE, supporting the foundation of its education and healthcare sectors. Their dedication and service have had a lasting impact, and we take great pride in their contributions.
The year 2025 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE. What's next for the partnership?
I am truly excited about this partnership because the UAE is not just a regional powerhouse but a significant global player. It plays a crucial role on the world stage, serving as a convening power with strategic geographic positioning and ambitious goals in key sectors such as AI, advanced technology, space, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and renewable energy. These are all industries of critical importance to both the UAE and Ireland.
We are also working towards finalising an agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Economic Commission. This framework will further enhance trade and investment between our two nations, providing a structured approach to economic cooperation.
Finally, I hope to further strengthen people-to-people connections, encouraging more Emirati tourists to experience Ireland's rich culture and hospitality.
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