Taoiseach Bertie Ahern heads to the Mideast tomorrow as part of a trade mission to encourage multi-billion euro export links between Irish companies and business leaders across the gulf.
Mr Ahern will lead a trade mission of 170 employers from 114 firms to Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The expedition has been organised by Enterprise Ireland , which plans to increase exports to the region by €3 billion by the end of 2007.
Business meetings between Irish suppliers and key partners in the Middle East will be held throughout the five day tour, giving visitors the opportunity to assess how the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia can fit into their company's business growth strategy.
"The Irish Government places great importance on the development of economic relations between Ireland and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates," a Government spokesperson said.
"The Taoiseach believes that there is scope for deepening economic links in the region and for enhanced cooperation in the fields of science and technology, tourism and education."
The Trade Mission is the culmination of work with firms over the last few years and is aimed at them build stronger relationships with existing and new contacts.
Although Irish companies have 35 offices in the region, those on the trip will be able to take on board the differences in how some members of the Arab community interact in business.
Enterprise Ireland stresses that the market potential of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia can not be ignored.
Irish companies have the potential to take increased market share in many key sectors, particularly telecommunications, IT, construction, banking, public sector/utilities and education and e-learning services, it said.
Despite securing €152m euro in Irish exports in 2005 to the region - where more than 320 million people live across 15 countries - Enterprise Ireland is determined to develop a greater awareness of Ireland's supply capability and sectoral opportunities across the region.
Its strategy is about working with sectors and focusing on the 500 key clients that can deliver the export growth required.
It also aims to bolster the diplomatic representation, enhance French and Arabic language skills among clients to tackle opportunities across the North African region, and increase speed to market via specialist sectoral advice and consultancy.