Takeaways

• The UAE and Ireland are exploring new tourism opportunities alongside deeper cooperation in green energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
• High-level meetings at the Investopia–Dublin Dialogues highlighted tourism as a key driver of economic growth and bilateral ties.
• Both countries aim to align sustainable tourism strategies with broader green economy goals.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland are stepping up efforts to strengthen tourism and economic cooperation, with sustainability and green energy at the centre of discussions held during the Investopia–Dublin Dialogues in Dublin. The high-level meetings brought together senior government officials, tourism authorities, and investors from both countries to explore new partnership opportunities across tourism, sustainable energy, and infrastructure.

The discussions were led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of Investopia. He met with Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy, and Transport, as well as Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority. The meetings focused on expanding cooperation in tourism development while supporting shared climate and sustainability objectives.

Also present were Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Ireland, and Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, underlining the strategic importance both sides place on the dialogue.

Read More: Europe Sets Course for a Unified Strategy on Sustainable Tourist Destinations

Tourism emerged as a key pillar of the discussions, alongside sustainable energy, transport, and infrastructure. Officials noted that the UAE’s experience in large-scale tourism development, world-class hospitality, and destination branding aligns well with Ireland’s focus on sustainable tourism and attracting high-value visitors. Both countries see strong potential in working together to respond to growing global demand for eco-conscious and responsible travel.

Sustainability featured prominently throughout the talks. The UAE’s long-term vision for a green economy, supported by clean energy and low-carbon initiatives, mirrors Ireland’s ambitious climate action and renewable energy targets. Knowledge-sharing on circular economy practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable tourism policies was identified as a key area of mutual benefit. Ireland’s expertise in renewable energy and environmental conservation could support the UAE’s climate goals, while the UAE’s experience in developing sustainable tourism destinations offers valuable insights for Ireland.

The Investopia–Dublin Dialogues served as an important platform for advancing economic and tourism cooperation between the two nations. Held in Dublin, the event highlighted strong existing trade and investment links while opening the door to new collaborations in tourism, green economy projects, and sustainable infrastructure.

Officials from both sides agreed that tourism can play a vital role in economic diversification and post-pandemic recovery. Increased visitor flows would support hospitality, transport, and service sectors, creating jobs and stimulating local economies in both the UAE and Ireland.

Also Read: What are the Benefits of Sustainable Development?

Looking ahead, both countries expressed interest in collaborating on eco-tourism, green hotels, and sustainable travel solutions. As global tourism increasingly shifts towards sustainability, the partnership between the UAE and Ireland positions both nations to offer environmentally responsible travel experiences while supporting long-term economic growth.

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Source: TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD