Dubai: The Irish Government has reiterated its strong commitment to strengthening and deepening trade links with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the expansion of Ireland’s global footprint under the Government’s “Global Ireland” initiative.
Speaking during the UAE Small and Medium Enterprise and Innovation Forum held last week, Ireland’s Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD said:
“The UAE is a very valuable and strategic trading partner for Ireland and I would like to take the opportunity of my visit to Dubai to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and developing stronger economic ties with the UAE. The UAE remains Ireland’s second largest Arab export market after Saudi Arabia and we are very pleased with the direction in which the relationship is heading.
Minister Breen’s visit was facilitated by the Embassy of Ireland Abu Dhabi and Enterprise Ireland, Ireland’s trade and innovation agency.
Commenting on the relationship between the two countries, the Irish Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Aidan Cronin, said:
“Since arriving in the UAE six months ago, I have seen how the relationship between our two countries is on an upward trajectory. It is a very exciting time to be Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE and I look forward to working with my Emirati friends in the months and years ahead to further strengthening the bilateral relationship. Minister Breen’s presence here this week is another important step in that process.”
Equipping Dubai Police
Minister Breen met with Dubai Police major general Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri where they discussed future collaboration on cybercrime prevention including training, education and prevention technology.
Their discussions also touched on healthcare, ICT, fire and hazards monitoring, and tracking technologies, which through Ireland’s 8 West Consulting, an Enterprise Ireland client, the UAE has acquired a sophisticated search and rescue tracking system for multiple types of vessels that sail on Emirati territorial waters.
John Murphy, CEO of 8 West Consulting, said, “Dubai Police is one of the most innovative police forces in the world and is working tirelessly to deliver smart solutions for public safety. As well as making SafeTrx part of the Dubai Police app the Commander-in-Chief has set ambitious targets for further development, including a land version and the integration of new technologies for search and rescue.”
On his part, Breen said, “SafeTrx is an award winning tracking and alerting technology platform to which 8 West is consistently adding new products and capabilities. It is particularly appropriate that 8 West is working with the Dubai Police who are so focused on innovation.”
The SafeTrx tracking and alerting system is in the final stages of implementation by the Dubai Police and is set to be deployed soon as part of the Dubai Police app.
Mike Hogan, MENA Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland said, “Irish companies are well known around the world for their world class innovative products and solutions. In the UAE we are actively working with local partners and investors to highlight the mutual benefits of working with Irish enterprises across all sectors.”
Bilateral talks
The minister also held discussions with DP World CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. The two discussed, among other issues, a potential strategic partnership between the UAE and Ireland on matters maritime, technology, innovation, marketing and consulting.
He also met with H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE minister of state for artificial intelligence where they deliberated on how the two nations can leverage on Irish technology startups and Ireland’s strong expertise as a global technology leader.
Breen also met with UAE minister of economy, H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri at the sidelines of the forum where they discussed bilateral relation between the two nations, Expo 2020 and the upcoming Special Olympics, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in March 2019.
Minister Breen also met with Dubai Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, H.E. Hamad Buamim alongside Ahmed Younis, CEO and secretary general, Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how Irish companies can better position themselves to work with Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
-Ends-
Enterprise Ireland is the export agency of the government of Ireland. We support Irish companies to build overseas sales and partnerships through our network of offices in 33 locations globally, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.
Enterprise Ireland invests in the most innovative Irish companies through all stages of their growth and connects them to international customers across multiple industries.
This was further boosted by the introduction of a visa waiver for UAE passport holders going to Ireland.
In terms of trade between the two nations, Ireland currently exports approximately €401 million worth of goods to the UAE alone.
For more information, please visit www.enterprise-ireland.com
For media enquiries, please contact Matrix PR:
Krishika Mahesh: Krishika@matrixdubai.com
Or call 04 343 0888
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
