Minister McEntee visits Saudi Arabia and UAE following engagements on peace and investment in Qatar

Minister McEntee visits Saudi Arabia and UAE following engagements on peace and investment in Qatar

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 7 July 2026
• Last updated on: 7 July 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, today continues her first overseas visit since the launch of Ireland's EU Presidency with engagements in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The visit follows a series of meetings in Qatar with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al Muraikhi.

Discussions focused on regional peace and security, the role Ireland and the EU can play in supporting stability, and strengthening the growing economic relationship between Ireland and Qatar.

Today, Minister McEntee will meet Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, His Excellency Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, before travelling to the UAE for talks with Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi.

Minister McEntee said:

"Recent events in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz are a reminder that global instability has real consequences at home. Ireland's prosperity and security depend on strong international partnerships, which is why engagement in this region matters.

"This visit is about deepening our relationships with key partners, supporting international efforts for peace and stability, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation."

Reflecting on her visit to Qatar, the Minister said:

"It was a pleasure to meet members of the Irish community in Qatar and hear about their lives and experiences. They make an important contribution both here and in strengthening the relationship between Ireland and Qatar.

"I was pleased to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to discuss how we can further strengthen political and economic ties. Qatar continues to play an important role in efforts to promote dialogue and stability across the region, and I welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on these issues.

"I was also delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, an important step in deepening Ireland's relationship with Qatar."

Looking ahead to engagements in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Minister said:

"Ireland's partnership with Saudi Arabia spans more than 50 years and is underpinned by strong people-to-people links. I look forward to discussing our growing relationship with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, alongside regional developments, including the situation in the Gulf, Lebanon and the Middle East Peace Process.

"I am particularly looking forward to meeting accomplished Saudi women, including graduates of Irish universities, and hearing first-hand about the country's social and economic transformation and the contribution Irish expertise is making.

"The UAE is home to one of the largest Irish communities in the region and is one of Ireland's closest economic partners in the Gulf. In my meeting with Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi, I look forward to exploring new opportunities to expand trade, investment and business links between our countries."

ENDS