Arab Irish Chamber gathers business leaders for strategic briefing on Middle East

Arab Irish Chamber strategic briefing on Middle East

Jim Healy, CEO of Nulumentek which specialises in energy-efficient lighting design and supply with operations across the Middle East: “Businesses cannot control geopolitical events, but they can control how they respond to them. Companies that stay agile, diversify risk and remain focused on customer needs will be best positioned to succeed, particularly in markets that continue to invest and grow despite global uncertainty,” he said.

Michael Connolly, Kilkenny businessman and entrepreneur who has worked in the Middle East since 2007, and now lives in UAE, has built several highly successful global businesses in the agri and equine nutrition sector and commented: “The war will end, but relationships won’t: the businesses that will succeed after the current crisis are the ones that show integrity, stay loyal to their customers, understand local culture and don’t disappear when things become difficult. Trust and consistency matter far more than short-term challenges.”

Edward O’Regan of Blackwater Partners, a company that specialises in guiding entrepreneurs and corporations into the UAE market with tailored solutions, said: “The long-term outlook across much of the Middle East remains positive. Many countries continue to invest heavily in economic growth and diversification, creating opportunities for Irish businesses that are willing to take a long-term view and remain engaged in the market.”

Desmond Hurley, Business Development Manager at Lakeland Dairies Food Ingredients, who has been at the forefront of Ireland’s dairy business for decades, added: “The Middle East remains an important market for Irish dairy products because customers value quality and reliability. Despite the challenges, demand remains strong and our experience shows that maintaining trusted customer relationships during difficult periods is what delivers long-term success.”