IRELAND
50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
A Model for Modern Diplomacy
Marking five decades of enduring friendship, Ireland and the UAE celebrate a deep-rooted partnership built on shared values, robust trade, and cultural synergy
Kushmita
Bose kushmita@khaleejtimes.com
s Ireland and the UAE
Acelebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, their enduring and evolving partnership highlights a strong foundation of shared values, economic cooperation, and cultural connectivity. Over the decades, the two nations have fostered a dynamic relationship that goes beyond borders — encompassing vibrant trade, educational collaborations, and joint initiatives in sustainability and innovation. The UAE has emerged as a vital ally for Ireland in the Gulf region, with notable progress across diverse sectors such as healthcare, aviation, and renewable energy.
A Growing Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
Despite their geographic distance and differing cultural backgrounds, Ireland and the UAE share a surprisingly similar ethos: both are small but ambitious nations with open, globalized economies and diverse populations. This foundation of mutual understanding has enabled the two countries to cultivate a dynamic
and resilient relationship that continues to evolve with the times.
A testament to this bond is the strong presence of both Irish and Emirati communities in each other’s nations. Today, 262 Emirati students are enrolled in higher education institutions across Ireland, continuing a tradition of academic excellence and exchange. Institutions like the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) have long played a role in training future Emirati doctors and healthcare professionals. Conversely, the Irish community in the UAE — comprising educators, healthcare workers, engineers, and business leaders has contributed significantly to the Emirates’ development over the decades.
Trade and Investment: A Cornerstone of Cooperation Trade and investment remain pivotal pillars of the UAE-Ireland
relationship. With bilateral trade in goods and services now approaching €8 billion annually, the UAE is Ireland’s largest trading partner in the Arab world. Irish companies are active across a wide range of sectors in the UAE, including agri-food, aviation, fintech, pharmaceuticals, and construction.
The Irish food and beverage sector, represented by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board), has seen remarkable success in the UAE market. In fact, outside of Ireland and the UK, the UAE boasts the largest range of Irish food products available — an indicator of both the quality of Irish produce and the strength of consumer demand in the Gulf region.
On the investment front, Emirati interest in Ireland continues to grow, particularly in technology, real estate, and the equine industries. With Ireland emerging as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, opportunities for UAE investors are plentiful.
The “Team Ireland” network — comprising the Irish Embassy and key state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Bord Bia— plays a critical role in promoting Irish exports, attracting investment, and strengthening tourism links. In 2023 alone, 86,500 Irish tourists visited the UAE, highlighting the expanding cultural and economic exchange between the two nations. Innovation, Education and Sustainability at the Forefront
The UAE and Ireland have forged strong collaborations in research and innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, and renewable energy. Institutions such as the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and the Sharjah Research, Innovation & Technology Park have partnered with Irish entities to drive forward research that benefits both nations.
Sustainability is another key area of collaboration. Both Ireland and the UAE are actively engaged in climate diplomacy and the global energy transition. Irish companies continue to support the UAE’s ambitious green agenda — especially after the Emirates’ prominent role at COP28 — through agritech innovations, water conservation technologies, and renewable energy expertise.
Looking ahead, Ireland’s immense offshore wind energy potential offers exciting opportunities for deeper cooperation. With a maritime area seven times the size of its landmass, Ireland is positioning itself as a future net exporter of wind energy—an area where Emirati investment could play a transformative role.
The Irish Legacy in the UAE
The contributions of the Irish community to the UAE’s success story are profound and longstanding. Irish professionals were instrumental in the early development of the UAE’s education and healthcare sectors, laying the groundwork for the world-class institutions seen today. Over the decades, Irish experts have also made lasting impacts in architecture, engineering, legal affairs, and financial services.
Icons like the late Colm McLoughlin, who led the transformation of Dubai Duty Free, and Gerald Lawless, instrumental in the rise of the Jumeirah Group, reflect the far-reaching influence of Irish leadership in the UAE. Irish-owned businesses such as Solace and Savvy Day continue to deliver high-impact services in audiovisual solutions and government consultancy, respectively.
Cultural and sporting ties have flourished through initiatives such as Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship of both local and Irish events — including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and prestigious events like the Irish Derby and Irish Open Golf tournament.
Looking to the Future
Milton,
We are truly delighted to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE. Ireland shares a special and long-standing relationship with the UAE, as both nations possess dynamic, open, and globalised economies with diverse communities. This strong foundation of shared values and similarities has fostered deep connections between our countries.
One of the most remarkable contributions of the Irish community in the UAE has been in public service, particularly in education and healthcare. Irish teachers, doctors, and nurses played a crucial role in the early development of the UAE, supporting the foundation of its education and healthcare sectors. Their dedication and service have had a lasting impact, and we take great pride in their contributions. When I had the honor of presenting my credentials to the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he spoke warmly about the invaluable contributions of Irish teachers and nurses. It was a deeply meaningful acknowledgment of the role our community has played in the UAE’s development.
A testament to the strength of our trade ties is the remarkable presence of Irish food products in UAE supermarkets. Outside of Ireland and the UK, the UAE has the largest range of Irish food products available, reflecting our successful cooperation in the agri-food sector.
Overall, Ireland and the UAE share not only strong economic and cultural ties but also fundamental values that continue to drive our partnership forward. I am incredibly proud to work in a country where great Irish pioneers and ambassadors have made significant contributions before me. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the strong ties between Ireland and the UAE.
I am truly excited about this partnership because the UAE is not just a regional powerhouse but a significant global player. It plays a crucial role on the world stage, serving as a convening power with strategic geographic positioning and ambitious goals in key sectors such as AI, advanced technology, space, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and renewable energy. These are all industries of critical importance to both the UAE and Ireland.
Finally, I hope to further strengthen people-to-people connections, encouraging more Emirati tourists to experience Ireland’s rich culture and hospitality.
As both nations celebrate 50 years of friendship, the outlook for the Ireland-UAE relationship is one of optimism and growth. Political engagement is deepening, with increasing high-level visits and discussions underway to establish a Joint Economic Commission — an MoU that would provide a strategic framework to further enhance trade and investment ties. There is also a strong focus on strengthening tourism and people-to-people exchange. With more Emiratis exploring Ireland and vice versa, cultural understanding and mutual respect continue to grow.
In a rapidly changing global landscape, Ireland and the UAE are well-positioned to navigate the future together — leveraging shared ambitions in technology, sustainability, and innovation to build a partnership that continues to inspire. As the two nations commemorate five decades of cooperation, they also look ahead to a future filled with even greater promise.
Alison
Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE
IRELAND — 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
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Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
Graduates can take advantage of Ireland’s stay-back visa scheme, which allows them to remain in the country for employment opportunities
Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 87th in the world.
Ireland is the main English-speaking country in the European Union and is also the second safest country in the world, according to Global Peace Index 2024.
Trinity offers degree and masters programmes in arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, maths and health sciences. Trinity ranks in the top 100 in 22 subjects (QS, 2025) and has partnered with
Columbia University to offer the Trinity Columbia Dual B.A. Programme. Trinity is the 31st most international university in the world (THE, 2024) and has students and staff from 119 countries, making it
a truly diverse and international campus.
Trinity is located in the heart of Dublin which is known as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Many recent graduates are employed at major partner organisations, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Pfizer to name but a few. Graduates can also take advantage of Ireland’s stay-back visa scheme, which allows them to remain in the country for employment opportunities.
Trinity has been home to many brilliant minds including three Nobel laureates including Samuel Beckett (Literature), Ernest Walton (Physics) and the zoologist William C. Campbell (Medicine). Over half of all Nobel prize winners from Ireland are Trinity graduates. Discover more about Ireland’s leading university and be inspired: www.tcd.ie/study/international
New UAE-Ireland pact aims to deepen economic ties
MoU sets stage for joint initiatives in healthcare, AI, green economy, and trade
The UAE and Ireland have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations with the signing of a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing economic and technical cooperation and outlines the formation of a Joint Economic Commission that will serve as a platform to promote trade, facilitate business collaboration, and drive private sector engagement.
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, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to sustainable growth and mutual benefit. The two nations have pledged to explore cooperation across key sectors including trade and investment, renewable energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, food security, and healthcare technology.
“The relationship between the UAE and Ireland is built on mutual respect and shared ambition,” said Dr. Al Zeyoudi.
“With a foundation built on trade and cooperation, we are well-positioned to explore new avenues for investment and collaboration.”
Smyth highlighted the importance of the Joint Economic Commission and said. “It will serve as a vehicle for enhanced coordination and deeper economic engagement with one of the most dynamic economies in the world.”
The UAE and Ireland have seen consistent growth in bilateral trade, with non-oil trade reaching $1.1 billion in 2024, up from $694 million in 2019. Over 1,000 Irish trademarks are currently registered in the UAE, including well-known firms like Stripe and Kentech Group. The agreement builds on previous successful collaborations, such as the MoU between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Enterprise Ireland. Minister Smyth acknowledged the contribu-
tions of national agencies - Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, IDA, and Tourism Ireland - for their efforts in building Ireland’s presence in the UAE, adding that their work has brought the bilateral relationship to “remarkable heights.” The Joint Economic Commission is expected to become a cornerstone of economic cooperation, allowing both countries to develop long-term strategies that reflect their shared priorities, encourage innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Niamh Smyth, Ireland Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing economic and technical cooperation and the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission between the UAE and Ireland. — WAM
IRELAND — 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
University College Cork in Ireland is a Hidden Gem for Higher Education
UCC is ranked highly among the universities globally and boasts a robust reputation for academic excellence
When Dr Tauseef Abdul Ghaffar, a long-time UAE resident and finance professional, decided to relocate his family from Dubai to Cork, Ireland, it wasn’t just a career move — it was a commitment to education, family, and opportunity. Today, as the Head of Internal Audit at University College Cork (UCC), he walks to work with his daughter Armeen Tauseef, who is studying medicine at the same institution.
“My father moved to the UAE in the 1970s, and I’ve spent all my life in the UAE,” says Dr Tauseef. “But when Armeen got accepted into medical school at UCC, I saw it as a chance for the family to come together in a new chapter.”
For many UAE-based families, Ireland may not be the first country that comes to mind for further studies — but perhaps it should be. University College Cork, nestled in one of Europe’s friendliest and most vibrant university towns, is fast emerging as a compelling choice for international students seeking top-tier education, cultural inclusivity, and realworld readiness.
Why UCC?
UCC is ranked highly among the universities globally and boasts a robust reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. “What struck me was the university’s dual focus on teaching and research,” Dr Tauseef explains.
“A number of universities often focus just on the teaching. But here, students can dive deep into innovation from the start.”
UCC’s research is recognised as worldleading in many areas including sustainability and climate action, food, microbiome and health, digital humanities and artificial intelligence and photonics.
Several of Ireland’s leading research centres are embedded in UCC institutes and the university is building 10 specialist areas of interdisciplinary research excellence through UCC Futures. The university offers a five-year undergraduate medicine programme — shorter than many North American alternatives — and its curriculum emphasises early patient contact, clinical exposure, and a hands-on approach.
“We explored Canada, the UK, and Australia,” adds Dr Tauseef. “But Ireland struck the perfect balance between quality, proximity to home in the UAE, and a safe environment.”
UCC’s international footprint is significant: over 5,000 students from more than 130 countries study on its green, riverside campus. The School of Medicine alone includes students from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, India, and beyond.
Life in Cork For Armeen, a second-year medical student and graduate of GEMS Wellington in Dubai Silicon Oasis, moving to Cork has been a revelation. “At first, I was surprised by the weather,” she laughs. “But now I carry my jacket and raincoat everywhere — and I love it! The campus is stunning, there’s a river running through it, and it’s incredibly green and peaceful.”
The student lifestyle in Cork offers both vibrancy and tranquillity. “It’s like comparing Dubai to Abu Dhabi,” says Dr
Tauseef. “Dublin is fast-paced, but Cork is calm, walkable, and student-focused— perfect for concentration and community.”
Armeen agrees: “There’s always something happening. I’m part of the GP and Paediatrics societies, and we’ve done amazing events like the Teddy Bear Hospital, where we engage with young children and teach them about health through play.”
UCC’s extracurricular life is rich, with over 100 societies and 50 sporting clubs. From archery to Zumba and rock climbing, students are encouraged to strike a healthy study-life balance. “I even ran for a student leadership position representing international students,” says Armeen. “The opportunities to grow here — academically and personally — are phenomenal.”
Cultural Inclusivity and Support
One of the key concerns for Middle Eastern families is how easily students can transition into a new environment. Armeen, who wears a hijab, says she felt immediately at home. “There’s a strong Muslim community here, and halal food is easy to find — even on campus.” Her father echoes the sentiment. “Thirty years ago, when I was in university in the US, I had to travel miles to get halal food. Now it’s accessible and normalised. And the Irish are incredibly friendly and welcoming.”
UCC also provides extensive student support through its beautiful Student Hub, dedicated wellbeing services, and academic mentoring. “Whether it’s lectures, societies or pastoral care, the system is geared to help you succeed,” says Armeen.
Ready for the Real World
With its five-year medical degree followed by a one-year internship, UCC ensures that students are prepared for the workforce from day one. “We have several hospitals around campus,” notes Dr Tauseef. “So placements and internships are well integrated into the programme.” UCC graduates are in high demand: 96 per cent are employed or in further studies within nine months of graduating. “For me,” says Armeen, “having UCC and Irish medical experience on my CV will be a real asset — especially for when I return to the UAE for further specialisation.”
A Bridge Between Ireland and UAE Gearóid McCarthy, International Manager for UCC’s College of Medicine and Health, has been visiting schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi every year since 2020 to connect with prospective students. “Irish teachers are widespread in the Gulf,” he says. “They’ve become mini-ambassadors for Ireland in the classroom. It’s no surprise that more and more UAE students are joining UCC each year.”
As Cork prepares to celebrate UCC’s 180th anniversary in 2025, the university is also doubling down on its commitment to global engagement — with partnerships across 300 universities, a growing alumni network of 220,000, and leadership in sustainability and research.
For UAE students seeking world-class education, cultural belonging, and a future built on strong foundations, UCC might just be the perfect place to begin.
Dr Tauseef Abdul Ghaffar and Armeen Tauseef