UAE and Ireland Strengthen Economic and Tourism Ties
Bilateral Meetings Highlight Opportunities
Recently, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of Investopia, engaged in significant discussions with Irish officials, including Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, and Transport, alongside Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland. These meetings were held during the Investopia Global Dialogues in Dublin, a platform that unites business leaders and investors from the UAE and Ireland.
The bilateral discussions took place in the presence of notable figures such as Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma Alshamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Ireland, and Mohammad Alhawi, Under-Secretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment. Together, they explored avenues to enhance both economic and tourism cooperation.
Focus on Economic Cooperation
In his remarks, Al Marri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to an open economic policy aimed at fostering collaboration with international partners. He underscored that these meetings serve to deepen cooperation in economic and tourism sectors while expanding collaborative ventures between governmental bodies and business communities in both nations. The goal is to bolster joint investments and improve air connectivity to facilitate tourism exchange.
Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure
During his meeting with Darragh O’Brien, Al Marri examined prospects for enhancing cooperation in sustainable energy, infrastructure, and transport. The dialogue centered around sharing expertise related to the circular economy and formulating policies that facilitate the transition to a greener economy. These discussions align with the sustainability goals set by both countries, aiming to establish a more eco-friendly framework for future developments.
Advancing Tourism Strategies
In a separate conversation with Paul Keeley, the agenda shifted towards the tourism sector. The two parties brainstormed on improving tourism ties, particularly by sharing insights on destination development. They discussed strategies for planning tourism routes, creating recognizable brands for sustainable local destinations, and mutually promoting these attractions to increase visitor numbers. These initiatives support the tourism objectives set forth by both nations.
Destination Development and Marketing
The focus on planning tourism routes highlights a proactive approach to increasing visitor engagement. By building distinct tourism brands, both the UAE and Ireland can attract more travelers seeking unique experiences. This approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports local economies by driving foot traffic to lesser-known destinations.
Future Perspectives
These collaborations signal a promising future for economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and Ireland. The shared commitment to sustainability and growth encompasses multiple sectors, paving the way for a diverse range of opportunities. As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, the shared experiences in sustainable practices and tourism development can serve as a model for other countries looking to enhance international cooperation.
The bilateral meetings encapsulate a mutual understanding of the importance of joint efforts in fostering economic resilience and promoting tourism exchange, setting a solid foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

