The Business Post highlights how the UAE aims to double its economy by 2031, presenting significant opportunities for international collaboration. At AICC, we recognise the importance of strengthening Ireland’s trade and investment links with the Gulf region, ensuring Irish businesses are well positioned to engage with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Ireland should invest more in UAE as gulf state looks to double economy by 2031 | Business Post https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/ireland-should-invest-more-in-uae-as-gulf-state-looks-to-double-economy-by-2031/

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.

Ahmad Younis, CEO of the AICC opens the Arab-Irish Business Summit 2025 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. Shaikha Suliman Al Alawi attends Arab-Irish Business Summit 2025 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. Saud Al Nahari, Shaikha Suliman Al Alawi, Ahmad Younis AICC & Anita Thomas, Emirates at Arab Irish Business Summit 2025 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

6% Increase in Irish Exports to Arab Region Exports exceed €1.5 billion for first half of 2025 With the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification set to see new markets targeted as a result of US tariffs, is the Arab region of some 488m people poised to become Ireland’s most important trade partner?   26.08.2025:  Ireland exported €1.5 billion 1  worth of goods to the Arab region during the first half of 2025, a 5.83 percent  increase on the same period last year, reflecting resilient demand in eastern markets despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. According to the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) in Dublin, trade with the region strengthened in several core markets, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Egypt. Iraq and Qatar have also emerged as buoyant markets for trade with Ireland. Saudi Arabia remains Ireland’s largest import market in the region, with trade exports valued at €524.3 million , an increase of 8.79 percent  compared with the same period in 2024. The UAE followed with €389.4 million , posting modest growth of 1+   percent. Egypt recorded a 6.68 percent  increase in Irish imports to €130 million,  while Iraq saw the sharpest growth among the larger markets, climbing 15.4 percent to €100 million .   Irish exports to Arab states are valued at more than double the value of imports from the region, highlighting sustained demand for high quality Irish products such as dairy, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics and transport equipment.   Other markets of note include: Algeria: €60M (+7.18%) Kuwait: €53M (+2.12%) Qatar: €45M (+18.8%)   Growing Opportunities for Irish Firms Commenting on the figures, AICC CEO Ahmad Younis said: “The latest trade figures for the first half of the year are good news for Ireland’s export market, which has been shaken by the volatility and uncertainty of US trade policy.  Irish exporters continue to find strong and growing demand in the Arab world and our performance in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in particular shows how adaptable Irish businesses can be in navigating new opportunities.”   Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that Irish exports to the United States fell by almost 60% between May and June 2025 and Mr Younis said that the sharp swing illustrates the risks of Ireland’s over reliance on a single market.  “By contrast, trade with Arab states has remained consistent. Growing populations together with a reliance on imports are creating significant demand and there is now a golden opportunity for Irish companies willing to look beyond traditional trade partners and markets,” said Younis   Recognising the challenges being faced by Ireland’s exporters, the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting a business summit that will bring together industry leaders, policy makers and exporters to discuss new trade prospects and strategies for expansion into the region. Taking place on September 18 at the Mansion House in Dublin, the Arab Irish Business Summit  will feature insight, advice and candid discussion from Irish entrepreneurs and senior executives already doing business in the Middle East & Gulf. Speakers include Bobby Healy, Manna; Chanelle McCoy, Chanelle McCoy Health; Jim Healy, NuLumenTek; George Mullan, SIS Pitches and Anita Thomas of Emirates.   The summit will also hear from senior business leaders from the Arab states who will share their own invaluable insights on the market. For more information, visit www.aicc.ie   1 CSO Figures Jan – June 2025

Breakfast Business with Joe Lynam - GoLoud Player Enda chatted on Newstalk this morning about the opportunities for Irish exporters in the Arab world and specifically about the forthcoming Arab Irish Business Summit in Dublin's Mansion House on 18 Sept. Enda Corneille This will be a unique summit where Irish exporters can learn about the potential opportunities from Irish companies who have been successful there already, as well as from informed and high profile Arab speakers. At a time of uncertainty in global trade, this summit is probably one of the most significant trade events for Irish exporters in recent years 📅 18 September 2025 📍 The Mansion House, Dublin

• ‘A door just waiting to be pushed open’: Arab region seen as major opportunity for Irish businesses | Business Post • Arab World identified as opportunity for Irish businesses

Ireland needs to diversify its international trade and FDI exposure, reduce its dependence on the US and prioritise growth markets such as the Arab states according to a new report. Ireland’s Economic Relationship with the Arab World was commissioned by the AICC in the wake of the economic volatility that followed a major shift in US trade policy under the new administration, and ongoing global political and social unrest. The report, by economist Jim Power, highlights the need for Irish businesses to consider doing business with the Arab states, which offer considerable growth potential and extensive opportunities for trade.