Dubai: Ireland, a global leader in healthcare innovation, is making a significant impact at Arab Health 2025 with a delegation of 19 leading Irish companies. Organised by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government's Trade and Innovation Agency, the Irish national pavilion will showcase a diverse range of groundbreaking medtech and digital healthcare solutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Gulf region has become a thriving hub for Irish trade, driven by Ireland's uniquely collaborative medtech and digital healthcare sector, which has been adding significant value to the industry across GCC states for the last 13 years. This contributed to Ireland's overall exports to the region reaching £532.5 million in 2023, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase.
Ireland's Central Statistics Office reported that exports to Saudi Arabia reached £465 million in the first half of 2023, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Medical and pharmaceutical products are among the top exported items, showcasing the alignment between Ireland's capabilities and regional healthcare priorities.
Many doctors in the UAE have received their training through Ireland's renowned Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Royal College of Physicians, while paramedics in Dubai Ambulance have benefited from training facilitated by Ireland's Health Service Executive and leading academic institutions. This reflects the deep connections and shared commitment between Ireland and the UAE in advancing healthcare excellence.
Alison Milton, Ireland's Ambassador to the UAE, stated that the UAE and the wider Gulf region continue to be key markets for Ireland's innovative healthcare companies, with value extending beyond exports and official partnerships. With 50 years of diplomatic relations, Arab Health provides an unparalleled platform for showcasing Irish expertise and progressing collaborations to advance healthcare systems in the region.
Giles O'Neill, Enterprise Ireland's Regional Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized that Ireland's presence at Arab Health highlights the significance of the Gulf region as a dynamic market for Irish healthcare innovation. This year's delegation underscores Ireland's role in advancing healthcare across the Middle East and the commitment to driving transformative solutions. Collaborations between Irish health innovators and the UAE's healthcare providers foster mutual benefits by combining Ireland's cutting-edge expertise with the UAE's focus on enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare systems.