Irish Minister Ignites UAE Trade Surge with Innovation-Focused Mission
In a bid to economic ties between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, Dara Calleary TD, Ireland's Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital, and Company Regulation, embarked on a four-day trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland. The mission, led by Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, aims to collaboration in key sectors, including medtech, aviation, artificial intelligence, and fintech.
The UAE has emerged as an important growth market for Irish businesses, particularly in innovative sectors, with a significant demand for Irish products and services. Irish exports to the UAE witnessed a notable 22 percent increase in 2022, reaching USD 175.5 million.
During the trade mission, Minister Calleary and Leo Clancy are engaging in high-level meetings with UAE ministers, business leaders, and heads of organisations to discuss the latest developments and innovations in targeted sectors. The agenda began with a meeting between Ireland and the Executive Council of Dubai, focusing on mutual economic interests.
A significant highlight of the trade mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Enterprise Ireland and Dubai Chambers. The agreement, formalised by Leo Clancy and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aims to unlock opportunities for Irish companies in technology, manufacturing, ESG, and clean technologies.
Minister Calleary expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This will no doubt provide Irish companies a global platform for growth and evolution in the UAE and wider Middle East region.”
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, emphasised that the MoU is a crucial step in connecting Irish innovation with Dubai's vibrant business ecosystem, supporting the growth of Irish companies and economic links.
As part of the trade mission, Minister Calleary is set to address a FinTech/ICT workshop, engage with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and hold meetings with aviation leaders. These meetings aim to explore cooperation opportunities, promote Irish high-tech products in the UAE market, and expand services in demand.
The trade mission also includes interactions with key players in the aviation industry, including Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Airlines, and Dubai International Airport. These meetings will explore areas of cooperation, discuss existing collaborations, and identify opportunities for Irish companies to contribute to the UAE aviation sector.
The trade mission aligns with Arab Health 2024, where Minister Calleary will support a delegation of 17 Irish health innovators participating in Ireland's national pavilion. The overall objective is to strengthen economic collaboration and create awareness of Ireland's world-leading innovation offerings in the UAE and the broader Middle East region.
