Statement following phone call between the Minister Helen McEntee and UAE Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister

Statement following phone call between the Minister Helen McEntee and UAE Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 1 March 2026
• Last updated on: 1 March 2026

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by phone this afternoon regarding the ongoing conflict in the region.

During the call, Minister McEntee expressed her deep concern about the outbreak of conflict in the region and its impact on the UAE and partners in the Gulf.

Minister McEntee thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for the support and information provided to the large Irish population in the UAE, and discussed the security situation.

Minister McEntee emphasised the Government's continued advice to all Irish citizens in the UAE to shelter in place and follow local Government advice.

Speaking after the call, Minister McEntee said:

"I welcome the opportunity to engage with the Deputy Prime Minister during such a challenging time for his country. The UAE is an important and valued partner and many Irish people call the UAE home.

"I expressed Ireland's condolences to the victims of attacks on the UAE over the last 36 hours.

"In this uncertain time, the safety of Irish citizens in the UAE and wider region is my utmost priority and I deeply appreciate the efforts of the UAE Government to keep all residents safe and informed.

"I continue to call on all sides to de-escalate. And I hope that other States in the region will continue to exercise restraint - a wider conflict will increase regional instability."