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Conclusion of Gulf Trade Mission With Equine Engagements, Irish Food Promotion and Keynote Address On Origin Green

On the final leg of his trade mission to the Gulf States, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD met with the Deputy Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a long term friend of Ireland.

Commenting on the meeting, Minister Creed said, “It was an important opportunity to meet with HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been a great supporter of Irish racing, and of Irish business generally over the years. It was good to learn that he remains steadfast in his commitment to the industry. His Highness is also a significant backer of the redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse and was very interested to learn about how that project is progressing.”

The meeting was preceded by a reception in the Capital Club organised by the Irish Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. The event was a celebration of the Shared Racing and Bloodstock Heritage between Ireland and the UAE. Dozens of influential Irish business people in the UAE attended, along with some of the region’s notable horse owners, trainers and jockeys.
On the final day of the mission, Minister Creed, accompanied by Ambassador Hennessy and members of the delegation also met with leading UAE trainer Satish Seemar who runs the Zabeel Stables, a very successful training centre of some 200 acres adjacent to Downtown Dubai.

The Minister also met with Mr. Colm McLoughlin, an Irishman who has been CEO of Dubai Duty Free since 1983. Dubai Duty Free is the largest in the world and purchases more than €40 million of Irish goods annually.

The Trade Mission concluded with a keynote address by the Minister at an Origin Green Gala Dinner in Dubai, with more than 300 attendees, included buyers and key influencers in the region. This was a key commercial aspect of Trade Mission and a significant opportunity to highlight the Irish ambitions of the Irish Agri Food Sector.

Speaking prior to his departure, the Minister said, “I am very pleased with the outcome of this Trade Mission. Irish food companies have already made significant inroads into these markets but the potential is there for significant further growth. Quality, traceability and sustainability are a key part of the messaging for a sophisticated consumer population in this region and I am confident that this mission has enhanced Ireland’s reputation and made a significant contribution to developing the footprint of Irish companies in the Gulf States. Against the Brexit backdrop, I regard this as critically important work to build on with our state agencies and Embassy network on this mission.