2006 was one of the best years on record for Irish companies doing business in the UAE, according to Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern who was in the country leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission.

Irish companies doing business in the in the Gulf saw a 45 per cent a growth in sales in 2006, which Ahern says is an excellent achievement. Ahern accompanied an Irish trade mission to the region.
Initial estimates from companies and organisations participating in the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to the Gulf region placed the value of agreements reached between Irish organisations and their counterparts in the Gulf at 65 million euros ($84 million) over the next 12 to 36 months.
The estimate includes: 20 million euros for education services announced in January and 13 million euros for companies engaged in technology, software and manufacturing as well as 32 million euros announced by McNally Design in contracts to be delivered over the next 12 months.
 Cylon Controls has announced it has signed a major new distribution deal with Verger et Delporte to supply its smart energy control solutions in the UAE.
Mivan, the specialist in fast-track construction techniques, announced new business worth $4 million in the UAE. 
Terex Finlay, the Omagh-based manufacturer of mobile washing, screening and recycling equipment, has also won orders worth more than £1 million ($1.9 million) during the Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 
The Bank of Sharjah has selected CR2’s BankWorld multi-channel solution to drive its ATM, Internet and SMS channels.
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) in the UAE have signed an agreement with Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), a leading Irish third-level institution that will bring many benefits to key sectors in both countries.