10th December 2025
The first meeting of the Ireland–United Arab Emirates Joint Economic Commission (JEC) successfully concluded today, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, alongside His Excellency H.E. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Burke was joined by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD along with Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy TD for this first UAE JEC meeting. The travelling delegation included representatives from these departments and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine represented by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI) along with the State Agencies including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia.
This JEC occurred at an important time with both sides acknowledging that the world economy continues to face significant challenges and uncertainty, and that is why market diversification opportunities, the promotion of multilateral and inter-regional trade and the removal of existing trade barriers are vital.
Minister Burke said:
“This JEC came at an opportune time following the launch of Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy Statement, 'A New Era for Irish Tourism' last week. There are significant opportunities for both sides to further grow tourism between both countries for our mutual benefit. The connectivity between the UAE and Dublin with 31 direct flights each week presents a significant opportunity to facilitate both more trade and more tourism and additional connectivity opportunities are now being explored.”
The importance of enhancing bilateral business engagement between both countries was discussed with agreement to strengthen trade and investment cooperation by organising trade missions and official delegations.
There was a shared view that development of transportation infrastructure, including airports, railways and roads, provides significant opportunities for mutual cooperation and the critical role of logistics in supporting trade and economic development was highlighted.
Minister O’Brien said:
“Logistics and transport infrastructure are key enablers of trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth. Today’s discussions with our UAE counterparts reaffirmed the importance of strengthening connectivity across ports, airports, and supply chain networks. We look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration in aviation, aircraft leasing, and the development of efficient, future-ready transport systems.“
There was agreement to explore joint ventures and partnerships to develop port infrastructure, supply chain networks, leveraging expertise and global affiliations and to explore increased knowledge sharing opportunities. It was also agreed to further examine the potential for direct flights between the two countries, on a regional basis and examine the potential for collaboration in aviation and aircraft leasing.
Ireland highlighted its competitive business environment and strategic initiatives such as the Ireland for Finance Strategy and the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification.
In relation to banking and finance, the two sides acknowledged the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation including possibilities for collaboration in facilitating investment opportunities, improving access to financial services, strengthening sector resilience and supporting the promotion of sustainable finance practices.
Minister Troy said:
“Ireland and the UAE share a strong commitment to international financial services, and how the sector can contribute to wider economic growth. There are clear opportunities between our two nations to increase collaboration and partnership across key sub sectors of financial services, particularly in funds, asset management, and fintech. This engagement has come at an important time for the government's international financial services strategy, Ireland for Finance, which I will publish in the first half of 2026.”
In relation to discussions on the topic of energy transition and renewable energy, there was agreement to explore possible cooperation and joint projects initiatives in the fields of energy, clean technologies and renewable energy and water resource management.
In agri-food, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish TD, will lead a trade mission to the UAE in January 2026 to coincide with Gulfood, the largest food and beverage trade event in the world. Ireland and the UAE have an excellent trading relationship, and the UAE is a strong market for Irish food and drink products, with exports worth €105 million in 2024.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain momentum through regular engagement and to develop a future roadmap for cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in areas such as tourism, technology, sustainability and trade, ensuring that the Ireland-UAE partnership continues to grow in the years ahead.
ENDS
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