Ireland in UAE
Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may seem like two countries worlds apart, but our relationship is close and intertwined. We have both gone from peripheral states - an island on the edge of Europe, and a desert state on the Arabian Peninsula - to become outsized global players.
Growing community
The relationship between Ireland and the UAE dates back 50 years to 1974 when the UAE gained its independence. Ireland was one of the first countries to recognise the UAE as an independent nation-state. Since then, we have continued to strengthen our ties through trade, cultural exchanges, and cooperation.
One of the key factors that has brought Ireland and the UAE closer together is the significant Irish expatriate community in the UAE. With an estimated 12,000 Irish nationals residing in the country, the UAE is home to one of Ireland’s largest diasporas per capita.
Economic ties
While Ireland and the UAE’s people-to-people connections have always been strong, our economic ties have been growing in recent years, with the UAE quickly becoming an important trading partner for Ireland. Over the past decade, exports of goods to the UAE have grown by 127%, with imports increasing by 3094%. The total bilateral trade is now valued at more than €2.25 billion annually.
Embassy of Ireland, United Arab Emirates
The Embassy works to promote and protect Irish interests in UAE, strengthen political and economic relationships, support the Irish community and promote cultural ties and the Irish arts.
Our partners
The Embassy works closely with Irish State Agencies in the United Arab Emirates and at home, to promote trade, tourism and inward investment.
Bord Bia
The role of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is to act as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers, and existing and potential customers throughout the world.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.
IDA Ireland
Promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland through a wide range of services.
Tourism Ireland
Marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination.
Research Ireland
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is a new, competitive research and innovation funding agency in Ireland.