The UAE has signed an agreement to establish a joint economic commission with Ireland as part of an effort to drive economic growth between the nations.
The agreement also includes a commitment to enhance economic and technical co-operation and will cover sectors including trade and investment, energy efficiency, renewable energy, infrastructure development, the digital and green economy, supply chain resilience, food security and healthcare technology.
The joint committee will promote business delegation visits, facilitate the exchange of information on economic developments and programmes, as well as striving to create a favourable two-way investment climate.
“The relationship between the UAE and Ireland is one of mutual respect and shared ambition," said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
"With a foundation built on trade and co-operation, we are well-positioned to explore new avenues for investment and collaboration. The signing of this MoU [memorandum of understanding] is a testament to our commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and unlocking the significant potential that exists between our two countries.”
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Ireland reached $1.1 billion in 2024 up from $694 million in 2019.
“The Joint Economic Commission will give a new forum for further collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, aviation, education and research, renewable energy and green technology, health care and life sciences," said Niamh Smyth, Irish Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation.
"Once fully established, it will serve as a vehicle to enhance internal co-operation and co-ordination, strengthening Ireland’s partnership with one of the most dynamic economies in the world, and one with huge potential for increased bilateral trade and investment.”
News of the joint economic commission come on the same evening as President Sheikh Mohamed announced that the UAE and the EU, of which Ireland is a member state, have agreed to begin talks on a potential trade deal.
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
FIXTURES
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Spec%20sheet
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
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Gulf Men's League final
Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Mission%3A%20Impossible%20-%20Dead%20Reckoning%20Part%20One
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The five pillars of Islam