The United Arab Emirates and Ireland have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate their economic and technical collaboration, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. The agreement also establishes a Joint Economic Commission aimed at promoting continued dialogue, mutual investment, and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Niamh Smyth, Ireland’s Minister for Trade Promotion, AI, and Digital Transformation. This strategic partnership is designed to enhance trade opportunities and increase private sector engagement across emerging sectors.
The agreement outlines areas of collaboration such as: 
- Trade and investment
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Digital economy and AI
- Infrastructure development
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Food security and green technology
- Supply chain resilience and education
One of the key features of the MoU is the formation of a Joint Economic Commission, which will organize business delegation visits, share insights on economic developments, and foster a favorable environment for two-way investments. It also supports participation in international exhibitions and aims to resolve any barriers to cooperation.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “The relationship between the UAE and Ireland is based on shared ambition and mutual respect. This MoU unlocks new avenues for investment and long-term collaboration that will drive growth for both nations.”
Minister Smyth echoed the enthusiasm, emphasizing that the Joint Economic Commission will provide an active platform to deepen collaboration across aviation, education, innovation, and sustainability. She praised the work of Irish state agencies like Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, IDA, and Tourism Ireland in driving bilateral relations to “remarkable heights.”
Ireland’s growing footprint in the UAE is evident, with over 1,000 Irish trademarks registered, including leading global companies like Stripe and Kentech Group. Earlier partnerships, such as the MoU between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Enterprise Ireland, demonstrate the value and mutual gains of UAE-Ireland cooperation.
Trade between the two countries has surged—non-oil trade hit $1.1 billion in 2024, up from $694 million in 2019. We expect the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate this momentum, creating opportunities for innovation, sustainable development, and enhanced business-to-business engagement.
