Abu dhabi: Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Peter Burke TD, the Republic of Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, to Abu Dhabi for the inaugural meeting of the UAE-Ireland Joint Economic Committee (JEC). This was the first meeting to be held since the JEC was announced in April of this year. The gathering brought together government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to explore collaborative opportunities to deepen economic ties.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Hajeri underscored the constructive role of the JEC as a platform for ongoing dialogue and partnership, focusing on key sectors where both nations have shared objectives, such as technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, life sciences, and sustainable infrastructure. He stressed the importance of collaboration to stimulate and enhance bilateral economic ties, and to create a conducive environment for two-way investment and innovation-driven growth.
Al Hajeri highlighted the JEC as evidence of the shared commitment to enhance collaboration between the UAE and Ireland, emphasizing the potential to explore and create new opportunities for the private sectors of both nations. He pointed out the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem and strategic location as a global hub, which can facilitate increased trade and investment.
UAE-Ireland bilateral trade has shown significant growth in recent years. In the first nine months of 2025, non-oil trade grew 12.7% year-on-year to reach USD$1.1 billion. This growth trajectory suggests that the countries are on course to exceed the 2024 total, when non-oil trade increased by 12.6% compared to 2023, surpassing $1.2 billion.
Peter Burke TD expressed Ireland's commitment to growing trade, investment, and tourism links with the UAE, acknowledging the inaugural JEC meeting as a key opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of providing new opportunities for SMEs and progressing key areas of cooperation in the evolving global trading landscape.
The JEC was attended by prominent figures from the UAE, including Omran Sharaf, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Fahad Al Gergawi, Humaid bin Salem, and Raja Al Mazrouei. On the Irish side, senior officials such as Robert Troy TD and Darragh O'Brien TD, along with approximately 30 representatives from various business and economic entities in Ireland, participated in the event.
A business roundtable meeting between private sector representatives from the UAE and Ireland followed the JEC. Al Hajeri encouraged Irish investors to capitalize on the numerous opportunities available in the UAE's drive to diversify its knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the UAE's strategic position as a trade corridor and its business-friendly legislation that allows full foreign ownership across various sectors.
Through the JEC, the UAE and Ireland are committed to building a sustainable economic partnership, supporting the ambitions of both countries. The discussions at the inaugural meeting and subsequent business roundtable have laid the groundwork for future cooperation, focusing on developing trade and investment ties, addressing shared challenges, and maximizing private sector engagement.