Irish exports to Arab countries increase 6% to €731m 

Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce said it was 'not unusual to visit a supermarket in Dubai and see Irish products such as butter, chocolates and meats on the shelves'

Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ahmad Younis said opportunities were opening up in the region for Irish exporters.

The value of Irish exports to Arab countries increased by 6%, to €731m, during the first three months of the year, compared to the same period in 2023, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeing a significant jump. 

The UAE, which is home to thousands of Irish people, imported a total of €203m worth of products from Ireland,  which represents an increase of 62% in total value. 

According to the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, the region is “highly reliant” on imports.

Chief executive Ahmad Younis said it was “not unusual to visit a supermarket in Dubai and see Irish products such as butter, chocolates and meats on the shelves”.

“Monaghan’s Silverhill Duck, for example, has achieved incredible success in the UAE and is one of many Irish food producers looking east for export opportunities,” he added.

While the UAE saw the largest year-on-year increase, Saudi Arabia receives the largest share of Irish exports to Arab countries, with the total value rising 4% to €244 million between January and March. 

The value of Irish exports to Egypt increased by 14% to €62.4m during this period, while the value of exports to Iraq increased by 16% to €43m.

Palestine received €250,000 in medical and pharmaceutical exports from Ireland during the first three months of the year, which is a massive increase from the €1,000 during the same period last year, reflecting the urgent need for medical supplies in the region as the war in Gaza continues. 

Machinery and equipment, medical and pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, as well as textiles and footwear are among the top products heading east from Irish businesses, including a growing number of small- and medium-sized businesses.

Mr Younis said growing economies, expanding populations, and significant investment “have opened up new opportunities for Irish exporters and those looking to do business both in and with countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia".

“With four airline carriers providing direct access to Arab markets and a growing population exceeding 440 million, it’s clear why Irish businesses are drawn to this region of immense opportunity,” he said.

According to the Central Statistics Office, Ireland’s total merchandise exports during the first three months of the year totalled €75.5bn — a fall of €13.5bn compared with the same time last in 2023.

Service exports stood at €102.9bn — a year-on-year increase of €19.7bn.