More than 200 business leaders, policymakers and exporters gathered at the Mansion House this month for the 2025 Arab Irish Business Summit, to explore and highlight the fast-growing opportunities for Irish businesses in the Arab world.
Delegates were welcomed by Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, who focused on the government’s commitment to deepening economic ties with the Arab world.
The programme featured insights from a range of speakers, including Bobby Healy (Manna), Chanelle McCoy (Chanelle McCoy Health), Jim Healy (NuLumenTek), George Mullan (SIS Pitches) and Anita Thomas of Emirates, who shared their experiences, challenges and successes in building businesses in or trading with Arab markets.
Case studies ranged from pioneering Irish SMEs to multinationals, offering practical lessons on how to establish long-term partnerships with Arab businesses and navigate cultural and regulatory dynamics.
Arab speakers included Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers and former Minister of Supply and Internal Trade in Egypt.
“What clearly emerged following today’s summit is that the Arab world represents a viable, vibrant and expanding market for Irish businesses looking to scale up and grow," said Ahmad Younis, CEO of the AICC.
"With more than 400 million consumers, booming economies and a huge reliance on imports across multiple sectors, the opportunity for Irish businesses has never been stronger. The companies that act now will be best placed to benefit."
The summit comes as new figures from the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) show that Irish exports to Arab states reached €1.5 billion in the first half of 2025, an almost 6% increase on the same period last year.
With trade expanding steadily across key markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, the region is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most important trading partners.
