Arab-Irish Business summit highlights opportunities beyond US for Irish businesses
- mark3874
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Arab Irish Business Summit Highlights Expanding Opportunities for Irish Businesses as Exports to Arab States grow by 6%
Winners of inaugural Colm McLoughlin award announced, recognising Irish entrepreneurial excellence in Arab markets
18 September 2025: More than 200 business leaders, policymakers and exporters gathered at the Mansion House today for the 2025 Arab Irish Business Summit, to explore and highlight the fast-growing opportunities for Irish businesses in the Arab world.
The summit comes as new figures from the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) show that Irish exports to Arab states reached €1.5 billion in the first half of 2025, an almost 6% increase on the same period last year. With trade expanding steadily across key markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, the region is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most important trading partners, according to chamber CEO, Ahmad Younis.
Delegates were welcomed by Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, who focused on the government’s commitment to deepening economic ties with the Arab world.
The programme featured insights from a range of speakers, including Bobby Healy, Manna; Chanelle McCoy, Chanelle McCoy Health; Jim Healy, NuLumenTek; George Mullan, SIS Pitches and Anita Thomas of Emirates, who shared their experiences, challenges and successes in building businesses in or trading with Arab markets. Case studies ranged from pioneering Irish SMEs to multinationals, offering practical lessons on how to establish long-term partnerships with Arab businesses and navigate cultural and regulatory dynamics. Arab speakers included Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers and former Minister of Supply and Internal Trade in Egypt.
Two recipients of inaugural Colm McLoughlin Award
In recognition of the significant presence and performance of Irish enterprise throughout the Arab world, the winners of the inaugural Colm McLoughlin Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship were announced at the summit. Such is the success of Irish export businesses that the awards committee selected two recipients, each of whom was presented with their award by Breeda McLoughlin, wife of the late Colm.
The winners are:
Des Hurley of Lakeland Dairies who has been at the forefront of Ireland’s dairy trade for decades. While not a founder or CEO, he has consistently demonstrated entrepreneurial qualities, helping to steer Lakeland’s global expansion and ensuring Irish dairy is strongly represented in key Arab markets.
Edward McCloskey of WaterWipes. McCloskey founded Irish Breeze Ltd more than 20 years ago, initially producing cotton wool and soap products before developing WaterWipes, the world’s purest baby wipes. Inspired by a personal need to create a safer alternative for sensitive skin, he has grown WaterWipes into a pioneering global brand that continues to expand internationally while remaining proudly rooted in Ireland.
Colm McLoughlin was one of the founders and the visionary force behind global travel retail giant Dubai Duty Free, running the business for more than 40 years. His contributions to the UAE’s travel retail industry were transformative, and he was instrumental in helping put Dubai on the map for international trade and tourism.
The opportunity ahead
Ahmad Younis, CEO of the AICC, said “What clearly emerged following today’s summit is that the Arab world represents a viable, vibrant and expanding market for Irish businesses looking to scale up and grow. With more than 400 million consumers, booming economies and a huge reliance on imports across multiple sectors, the opportunity for Irish businesses has never been stronger. The companies that act now will be best placed to benefit.”
The Arab Irish Business Summit was jointly organised by the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise Ireland
