Lifting of visa requirement to foster stronger relations between the United Arab Emirates and Ireland

Abu Dhabi, 24 January 2018:  The Minister for Justice and Equality of Ireland, Mr Charlie Flanagan T.D., announced the lifting of the visa requirement for citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) travelling to Ireland with effect from the 31st January 2018.  He has signed an Order to give effect to this decision. 
Minister Flanagan, who led a trade mission to United Arab Emirates as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the removal of visa requirements is a very significant step which will facilitate Ireland’s growing trade, tourism and business relationships with the UAE. It represents a further strengthening of the strategically important relationship between the two countries and will foster increased cooperation across a wide variety of areas including innovation, trade, investment, financial services, food, education, healthcare, aviation and technology.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Charlie Flanagan T.D. said: 

“As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I led a trade mission to UAE, made an official visit there and welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Dublin. Excellent air-links between our two countries are facilitating growing partnerships in trade, education and tourism in particular. A large number of Irish citizens now live in the Emirates and many Irish companies are active on the ground where we have a busy Embassy promoting Irish interests. The UAE is a key economic partner for Ireland and one of our priority markets. I am very pleased we have been able to lift the visa requirement for citizens of the UAE who wish to travel to Ireland and we look forward to welcoming increased numbers of Emirati business people, students and tourists who will travel to Ireland following the lifting of the visa requirement”.

The Ambassador of Ireland to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Paul Kavanagh said:

“Embassy of Ireland in the United Arab Emirates, including the regional Visa Office alongside Tourism Ireland, are delighted to echo the announcement made by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Charlie Flanagan, T.D.

This is a big day for developing ever closer ties between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates in business, education and especially in tourism. 
Ireland is an attractive and highly accessible destination for Emirati travellers and their families. The lifting of Ireland’s visa requirement for Emirati nationals means that it has never been easier for them to visit our beautiful green island. Our warmest welcome awaits them”.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland said:

“The Irish Government has worked hard with the United Arab Emirates to introduce visa free travel for UAE nationals coming to Ireland. This is a historic step for Irish-Emirati relations and one which we hope will encourage more Emiratis to visit Ireland.
Ireland and the United Arab Emirates share many common values; offering a warm welcome to people from around the world, the importance of family and a desire to pioneer new ways of working and living that will benefit generations for years to come. We look forward to showcasing the beautiful island to our Emirati friends.”