Nearly one-third of Irish exports to the Middle East go to Saudi Arabia

Among the most popular items exported to Saudi Arabia include essential oils, perfume materials and toilet preparations, medical and pharmaceutical products, and inorganic chemicals

Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ahmad Younis said the region 'is still underexploited in terms of the opportunities for Irish businesses'.

Ireland exported €1.46bn worth of products to Middle East and Gulf countries during the first six months of the year, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for nearly one-third. 

According to figures from the Central Statistics Office, exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 6% to €465m during the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2022.