Inaugural UAE-Ireland economic committee signals new era for bilateral trade

ABU DHABI

The United Arab Emirates and Ireland have taken a major step to deepen economic ties with the inaugural meeting of the UAE-Ireland Joint Economic Committee (JEC) held in Abu Dhabi this week. The high-level gathering brought together government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both nations to explore collaborative opportunities across key sectors.

Welcoming Ireland’s Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saeed al-Hajeri described the committee as a “crucial platform for ongoing dialogue and partnership” and highlighted sectors of shared interest, including technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, life sciences, and sustainable infrastructure.

“The Joint Economic Committee demonstrates our shared commitment to enhance collaboration between our nations and provides a crucial opportunity to further strengthen our economic partnership. We are eager to explore and create new opportunities for our private sectors that will benefit both our nations and drive forward our shared ambitions. By leveraging the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem and strategic location as a global hub, together we can facilitate increased trade and investment, unlocking significant growth that will enable our businesses to thrive,” Hajeri said.

Bilateral trade between the two nations has surged in recent years. In the first nine months of 2025, non-oil trade grew 12.7 percent year-on-year to reach $ 1.1 billion, on track to surpass the 2024 total of over $ 1.2 billion.

Peter Burke TD underscored Ireland’s commitment to expanding economic ties.

“Our relationship with the UAE is one which we greatly value and this first Joint Economic Commission meeting is a key opportunity to grow and develop the links between both countries. Ireland is fully committed to growing trade, investment and tourism links between our two countries, providing new opportunities for our SMEs and working to progress key areas of cooperation through the shifting global trading landscape,” he said.

The JEC was attended by senior UAE officials including Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; Mohammed al-Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Ireland; Fahad al-Gergawi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Trade; Humaid bin Salem, Secretary General at the UAE Chambers; and Raja al-Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance. Irish attendees included Robert Troy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, and around 30 officials and business representatives.

Following the committee meeting, a business roundtable allowed private sector representatives from both countries to discuss investment opportunities and collaborative ventures.

In his remarks to the participants, Al Hajeri stressed the UAE’s ongoing drive to diversify its economy and urged Irish investors to capitalise on the abundant opportunities in sectors ranging from technology and AI to services, tourism, and banking, noting the UAE’s business-friendly legislation and strategic position as a trade corridor between East and West.

The inaugural JEC meeting set the stage for a sustainable economic partnership, aiming to expand trade and investment, tackle shared challenges, and maximise private sector engagement for mutual benefit.