Minister Grealish concludes successful agri-food trade mission to the UAE
The Galway Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development is back home from an agri-food trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), delivered last week in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
As part of this visit, Minister Noel Grealish met UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, to sign a renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding originally signed between both countries in 2022 to enhance cooperation for food security.
Minister Grealish said he had ‘an excellent discussion on potential areas for cooperation and agreed to renew the Memorandum of Understanding’.
“Such cooperation provides a strong framework to support industry, facilitate market access and encourage innovation-led partnerships,” he said.
“It demonstrates the shared commitment of Ireland and the UAE to working together constructively to our mutual benefit. I am confident Ireland and the UAE will remain strong partners in the areas of trade and food security.”
Minister Grealish also addressed a meeting of the Irish Business Network, providing an opportunity to connect with the Irish business community based in the region, and attended the first gathering of Bord Bia alumni.
He visited Al Ain dairy farm, the UAE’s biggest dairy company which has key Irish management and close ties with Irish suppliers.
The Minister also visited Meydan Racecourse to promote the Irish-UAE relationship in the equine industry. The trade mission concluded on Thursday with a meeting with Dubai Duty Free, acknowledging their role as a key partner in the support of the Irish agri-food sector.
“From my engagements over the course of the week, I have seen first-hand how Irish people and products are significantly shaping the agri-food sector in this country,” he said afterwards.
“It was particularly impressive to see such a strong performance by our food producers on a world stage like Gulfood. This success is testament to the high quality of Irish food produce and our country’s reputation as a trusted supplier and trading partner.
“It is clear to me that we can build on this momentum and explore further opportunities for those who are looking to scale and grow in the region. I will continue to work with the Embassy of Ireland, my officials and Bord Bia to strengthen Ireland’s cooperation with the UAE and support Irish agri-food exporters.”
Irish agri-food exports to the UAE totalled €105m in 2024, broadly consistent with export levels for the previous two years.
Exports in 2024 were dominated by dairy (€78), beverages (€10m) and animal feed (€5.4m). Imports from the UAE to Ireland amounted to €2.82m in 2024.
Pictured: Minister of State Noel Grealish TD, meeting with Ali Al Ali, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club.