It’s not an easy time for Ireland’s exporters right now. However, with the Middle East & Gulf emerging as one of the world’s strongest economic regions. a business summit, announced today, will offer business leaders an opportunity to hear from Irish construction and engineering companies thriving in the region.
The 2025 Arab-Irish Business Summit taking place at the Mansion House on September 18th will offer unique insights into doing business in the Arab world with a stellar line up of speakers including:
- Jim Healy, CEO NuLumeTek, which specialises in energy-efficient lighting design and supply. Nulumentek is involved in the majority of Tier One mega projects in Saudi Arabia, having already delivered projects in 12 countries to date
- George Mullan, founder of SIS pitches, which designs, manufactures and installs sports surface solutions and track construction and maintenance services. SIS Pitches has completed sports pitch projects at every major football event in the world and has worked with international names and projects including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Barcelona FC and Chelsea FC. SIS Pitches has recently signed contracts for the first two World Cup 2034 stadiums in Saudi Arabia (image attached)
Despite global economic and political turbulence, the Middle East and Gulf is emerging as the region offering some of the greatest opportunities to Ireland’s exporters according to one business organisation. Enda Corneille, chair of the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce acknowledges there is a sense of caution among Ireland’s exporters, but emphasises that the strongest signals for export growth are now pointing east.
“There is a new spotlight on markets such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco and Egypt with well-known Irish businesses in sectors including construction and engineering providing a diverse range of products and services to these countries. Ireland needs to diversify its international trade exposure and reduce its dependence on more ‘traditional markets’ and we have seen significant potential for Irish businesses in the Arab world,” said Corneille.
A wide range of practical issues – from challenges and culture, to banking, legal affairs and recruitment – will be addressed with crucial advice from Enterprise Ireland, which has a strong on-the-ground presence in the region. Taking place on 18 September 2025 at the Mansion House, Dublin and hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Matt Cooper, the summit will cover a wide range of topics and sectors including construction & engineering, fintech & technology, food & drink, travel & tourism and professional services.
Hundreds of Irish businesses are expected to attend what is being billed as the most important event for Irish businesses looking beyond the traditional markets of the US and UK for export and trading opportunities.
The event is being jointly organised by the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce, Bord Bia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise Ireland.
