WEBDESK, June 26, 2025 – A high-level delegation from Sharjah, led by Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), has wrapped up a significant visit to Ireland. This trip marked the 50th anniversary of UAE–Ireland diplomatic relations and served as a platform to strengthen collaboration in innovation, research, and education.
“Glad to have joined the Sharjah delegation to Ireland, led by SRTI Park, to mark 50 years of UAE-Ireland diplomatic relations,” shared by Sara Al Nuaimi. “The visit was a chance to introduce Sheraa’s work to new stakeholders and explore future collaborations with Ireland’s innovation and education ecosystems. We look forward to staying connected and supporting startups from both sides as they explore opportunities across our markets.”
Bringing Sheraa into the Spotlight
The visit highlighted Sheraa’s role in nurturing startups, introducing its acceleration and incubation programs to Irish educators, investors, and innovation bodies. The delegation emphasized its commitment to fostering early-stage entrepreneurship, setting the stage for shared mentorship and potential joint programming.
SRTI Park & Enterprise Ireland: New Horizons
Building on earlier collaborations, SRTI Park and Enterprise Ireland further reinforced their partnership. Launched at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival in February, the agreement focused on joint initiatives in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Sustainability and ESG
- Emerging technologies and precision engineering (sharjahnews.ae)
Officials on both sides underscored the creation of cross-border testing environments, co-funded R&D, and business exchanges as key outcomes of the visit.
Innovation + Education = Shared Growth
Commemorating 50 years of diplomatic ties between the UAE and Ireland, the Dublin meetings also involved Ireland’s Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Enterprise Ireland, and Knowledge Transfer Ireland (mofa.gov.ae). They explored joint programs in research commercialization, university partnerships, and startup funding, with particular focus on AI, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.
READ MORE: Sharjah to host 29th World Investment Conference in October 2025
50-Year Milestone: Celebration & Commitment
The visit closely followed a milestone event in Dubai, where UAE and Irish officials celebrated half a century of diplomacy, highlighting mutual growth in education, trade, culture, and technology . Both governments reaffirmed their resolve to broaden collaboration, including launching negotiations towards an EU–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) (mofa.gov.ae).
Looking Ahead
- Sheraa aims to pilot joint startup programs in Ireland, with “Sheraa‑@‑Ireland” accelerators and shared mentorship networks.
- SRTI Park and Enterprise Ireland will facilitate Irish clean-tech and precision-engineering firms entering the UAE, while UAE startups gain access to Irish research and investor networks.
- Ministries will explore educational exchanges and co-funded innovation labs in priority sectors like AI, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
As the UAE and Ireland mark five decades of diplomatic friendship, this mission from Sharjah highlights the tangible outcomes of that enduring partnership: stronger innovation ecosystems, deeper academic ties, and exciting startup pathways between Gulf and Europe.
Contact:
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park – www.srtipark.ae
Enterprise Ireland – www.enterprise-ireland.com
