UAE And Ireland Establish Joint Economic Committee To Enhance Trade And Investment Relations
The UAE and Ireland have initiated their first Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting in Abu Dhabi. This event marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Saeed Al Hajeri, UAE's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Peter Burke TD, Ireland’s Minister of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, to discuss collaborative opportunities.
Al Hajeri highlighted the JEC as a vital platform for dialogue and partnership. He emphasised the importance of cooperation in sectors like technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, life sciences, and sustainable infrastructure. The aim is to foster bilateral economic growth and create an environment conducive to investment and innovation.
Peter Burke TD expressed Ireland's commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and tourism links with the UAE. He sees the JEC as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen ties between both countries. Burke stated: "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."
The JEC was attended by prominent figures from both nations. From the UAE side were Omran Sharaf, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Fahad Al Gergawi, Humaid bin Salem, and Raja Al Mazrouei. The Irish delegation included Robert Troy TD and Darragh O'Brien TD among others. Around 30 officials from various business sectors also participated.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Ireland has seen substantial growth recently. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, non-oil trade increased by 12.7% year-on-year to reach USD$1.1 billion. This trend suggests that 2025 will surpass 2024’s total when trade grew by 12.6% compared to 2023.
A business roundtable followed the JEC meeting where private sector representatives from both countries discussed further collaboration. Al Hajeri encouraged Irish investors to explore opportunities within the UAE’s diverse economy. He pointed out that the UAE serves as a strategic trade corridor with favourable legislation for foreign ownership across many sectors.
Commitment to Sustainable Partnership
The discussions during this inaugural JEC meeting have laid a foundation for future cooperation between the UAE and Ireland. Both nations are committed to building a sustainable economic partnership that benefits each other while addressing shared challenges.
Al Hajeri remarked on leveraging the UAE's position as a global hub to facilitate increased trade and investment: "The Joint Economic Committee demonstrates our shared commitment to enhance collaboration between our nations... By leveraging the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem... we can facilitate increased trade and investment."
The focus remains on developing existing trade ties while maximising private sector engagement through ongoing dialogue facilitated by platforms like the JEC.
With inputs from WAM
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