50 years of UAE-Ireland diplomatic relations: A model for modern diplomacy

Khaleej Times

18-04-2025

As Ireland and the UAE celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, their enduring and evolving partnership highlights a strong foundation of shared values, economic cooperation, and cultural connectivity. Over the decades, the two nations have fostered a dynamic relationship that goes beyond borders — encompassing vibrant trade, educational collaborations, and joint initiatives in sustainability and innovation. The UAE has emerged as a vital ally for Ireland in the Gulf region, with notable progress across diverse sectors such as healthcare, aviation, and renewable energy.
A Growing Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
Despite their geographic distance and differing cultural backgrounds, Ireland and the UAE share a surprisingly similar ethos: both are small but ambitious nations with open, globalized economies and diverse populations. This foundation of mutual understanding has enabled the two countries to cultivate a dynamic and resilient relationship that continues to evolve with the times.
A testament to this bond is the strong presence of both Irish and Emirati communities in each other's nations. Today, 262 Emirati students are enrolled in higher education institutions across Ireland, continuing a tradition of academic excellence and exchange. Institutions like the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) have long played a role in training future Emirati doctors and healthcare professionals. Conversely, the Irish community in the UAE — comprising educators, healthcare workers, engineers, and business leaders has contributed significantly to the Emirates' development over the decades.
Trade and Investment: A Cornerstone of Cooperation
Trade and investment remain pivotal pillars of the UAE-Ireland relationship. With bilateral trade in goods and services now approaching €8 billion annually, the UAE is Ireland's largest trading partner in the Arab world. Irish companies are active across a wide range of sectors in the UAE, including agri-food, aviation, fintech, pharmaceuticals, and construction.
The Irish food and beverage sector, represented by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board), has seen remarkable success in the UAE market. In fact, outside of Ireland and the UK, the UAE boasts the largest range of Irish food products available — an indicator of both the quality of Irish produce and the strength of consumer demand in the Gulf region.
On the investment front, Emirati interest in Ireland continues to grow, particularly in technology, real estate, and the equine industries. With Ireland emerging as one of Europe's most dynamic economies, opportunities for UAE investors are plentiful.
The 'Team Ireland' network — comprising the Irish Embassy and key state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Bord Bia—plays a critical role in promoting Irish exports, attracting investment, and strengthening tourism links. In 2023 alone, 86,500 Irish tourists visited the UAE, highlighting the expanding cultural and economic exchange between the two nations.
Innovation, Education and Sustainability at the Forefront
The UAE and Ireland have forged strong collaborations in research and innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, and renewable energy. Institutions such as the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and the Sharjah Research, Innovation & Technology Park have partnered with Irish entities to drive forward research that benefits both nations.
Sustainability is another key area of collaboration. Both Ireland and the UAE are actively engaged in climate diplomacy and the global energy transition. Irish companies continue to support the UAE's ambitious green agenda — especially after the Emirates' prominent role at COP28 — through agritech innovations, water conservation technologies, and renewable energy expertise.
Looking ahead, Ireland's immense offshore wind energy potential offers exciting opportunities for deeper cooperation. With a maritime area seven times the size of its landmass, Ireland is positioning itself as a future net exporter of wind energy—an area where Emirati investment could play a transformative role.
The Irish Legacy in the UAE
The contributions of the Irish community to the UAE's success story are profound and long-standing. Irish professionals were instrumental in the early development of the UAE's education and healthcare sectors, laying the groundwork for the world-class institutions seen today. Over the decades, Irish experts have also made lasting impacts in architecture, engineering, legal affairs, and financial services.
Icons like the late Colm McLoughlin, who led the transformation of Dubai Duty Free, and Gerald Lawless, instrumental in the rise of the Jumeirah Group, reflect the far-reaching influence of Irish leadership in the UAE. Irish-owned businesses such as Solace and Savvy Day continue to deliver high-impact services in audiovisual solutions and government consultancy, respectively.
Cultural and sporting ties have flourished through initiatives such as Dubai Duty Free's sponsorship of both local and Irish events — including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and prestigious events like the Irish Derby and Irish Open Golf tournament.
Looking to the Future
As both nations celebrate 50 years of friendship, the outlook for the Ireland-UAE relationship is one of optimism and growth. Political engagement is deepening, with increasing high-level visits and discussions underway to establish a Joint Economic Commission — an MoU that would provide a strategic framework to further enhance trade and investment ties.
There is also a strong focus on strengthening tourism and people-to-people exchange. With more Emiratis exploring Ireland and vice versa, cultural understanding and mutual respect continue to grow.
In a rapidly changing global landscape, Ireland and the UAE are well-positioned to navigate the future together — leveraging shared ambitions in technology, sustainability, and innovation to build a partnership that continues to inspire. As the two nations commemorate five decades of cooperation, they also look ahead to a future filled with even greater promise.