Minister of State with responsibility for food promotion and new markets Noel Grealish has begun a week long agri-food trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The focus of the trade mission is on strengthening government-to-government relationships, supporting Irish companies on the ground and at Gulfood - a major agri-food trade fair that takes place this week - and promoting Irish agri-food products.

The minister's trade mission is taking place in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.

Minister Grealish will begin his visit today by attending Gulfood, which is the world’s largest food and beverage trade event, which will have 14 Irish agri-food companies exhibiting.

Irish agri-food exports to the UAE totalled €105 million in 2024, broadly consistent with export levels for the previous two years. The export figures for 2025 will be available next month.

Exports in 2024 were dominated by dairy (€78 million), beverages (€10 million) and animal feed (€5.4 million). Imports from the UAE to Ireland amounted to €2.82 million in 2024.

Bord Bia estimates that Irish food and drink exports to the wider Gulf region (which includes several countries in the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula) reached €370 million in 2025, an increase of 7.5% on 2024 values.

This growth was primarily driven by dairy exports (+7% to €315 million) and prepared consumer foods (+17% to €26.8 million).

The population of the UAE - home of the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi - is over 11 million.

Speaking from the UAE, Minister Grealish commented: “This trade mission provides a valuable opportunity to see on the ground the significant impact that Irish agri-food producers have made in the UAE to date.

"I firmly believe that we can build on this success and continue to grow Ireland’s reputation as a trusted supplier of world class agri-food produce that is sustainably produced and originates from family farms in Ireland," the minister added.

Minister Grealish is set to have a series of engagements, including a government-to-government meeting; a visit to Kerry Group Dubai and meetings with major retailers; and potential customers for Irish agri-food.

Minister Grealish will also address a Bord Bia Gulfood Trade Reception, which brings together Irish food and drink suppliers, international buyers and industry leaders in the region.

Also commenting, Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said: “The Gulf region continues to be a priority growth market for Irish food and drink exports, driven by strong population growth, a dynamic foodservice sector and increasing demand for high-quality imported food.

"Through this trade mission, we will support Irish exporters on the ground, strengthen relationships with key customers, and help companies build their presence in a market that offers significant long-term opportunities for Irish food and drink," O'Toole added.

The trade mission commences today (Monday, January 26), and will conclude on Thursday (January 29).