AICC hosts executive breakfast exploring Abu Dhabi as a hub for Irish trade and investment

Jack Paravicini, ADIO - H.E. Mohammed Al Shamsi UAE Ambassador - Dr. Andrew Jackson, G42 - Saeed Abdullah AlDhaheri, Al Maryah Bank - Jack Larkin, North Advisory - Ahmad Younis, AICC

Irish businesses are increasingly looking to Abu Dhabi as a strategic location to invest, trade, and expand, according to industry and diplomatic leaders speaking at an Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) executive breakfast in Dublin today.

Hosted in partnership with North Advisory and proudly sponsored by Etihad Airways, the private roundtable at The Merrion Hotel on Wednesday, 5 November brought together senior figures from Ireland and the UAE to discuss the growing opportunities in Abu Dhabi across key sectors.

The high-level event explored Abu Dhabi’s increasing role as a hub for Irish trade and investment, providing insights to attendees on investment, trade, and potential partnerships, as well as the ample opportunities for doing business in the Abu Dhabi region.

Panel Discussion

His Excellency Mohammed Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ireland, delivered an insightful keynote address before joining a panel featuring:

• Ahmad Younis, Secretary General & CEO, AICC

• Saeed Abdulla AlDhaheri, Board Member, Al Maryah Bank

• Andrew Jackson, Group Chief AI Officer, G42

• Jack Paravicini, UK & Ireland Country Head, ADIO

• Jack Larkin, Partner, North Advisory

Key Insights

Panellists highlighted Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing potential for Irish exporters and investors across sectors including:

• Food & dairy

• Pharma and medical technology

• Equine

• Construction and infrastructure

• Renewable energy and aviation

• Professional and financial services

• Tourism and hospitality

Speakers emphasised that Arab world, which is home to 22 nations and a young, fast-growing population, continues to outperform many global economies, making it a strategic location for Irish companies scaling internationally and mitigating global market volatility.

Trade Snapshot

• Irish merchandise exports to the Arab world (2020–2024): €13.5bn

• Irish services exports to the region (2023): €13.97bn

• Irish exports to UAE are up 127% over the past decade

• Imports are increasing by 3094% over the past decade

• Total bilateral trade is now valued at more than €2.25 billion annually

Growing Irish communities – with an estimated 12,000 Irish nationals residing in the UAE – and strong bilateral relations were noted as key enablers for business success during the insightful commentary at the exclusive Private Business Breakfast.