Ireland in the United Arab Emirates

At first glance, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may seem like two countries worlds apart, but our relationship is close and intertwined. What resonates most between our two countries is our respective journeys. 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.

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.

People-to-people connections

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.

Over the past 50 years, Irish people have made an immeasurable impact on the UAE’s economy and society, from driving Dubai Duty Free to be the largest duty-free in the world, to staffing the UAE’s hospitals, to educating the children of the Emirates. The impact that Ireland has had on the UAE can be seen around every corner and even on the pitch, as evidenced by the 11 GAA clubs in the country, where Irish and Emiratis alike practice our national sports.

Educational links

Ireland and the UAE have forged strong educational ties. In particular, a large volume of Emirati doctors trained in Ireland. Further, of the 12,000 Irish citizens living and working in the UAE, over 4,000 are primary and secondary-level teachers. The influence of these teachers on the UAE’s education system and the lives of so many living in the UAE has created a strong connection between the two nations.

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. The UAE has become a significant market for Irish exports, especially in the fields of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and information and communications technology.

Shared values

Ireland and the UAE share a common commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Both countries work closely across various international organisations. Most notable was the collaboration during their shared tenure on the United Nations Security Council in 2021/2022. As small nation-states, Ireland and the UAE share a similar view of the world, a world that guarantees peace, stability, and prosperity.

The relationship between Ireland and the UAE is a testament to the power of friendship, cooperation, and understanding. Despite our geographical distance and cultural differences, our two countries have found common ground in our shared values and aspirations.