Diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were established in 1974 on a non-residential basis.

On 12 October 2009 Ambassador Ciarán Madden presented credentials to HH President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan establishing the new Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE have announced the opening of an Embassy in Ireland. The UAE Ambassador to Ireland, HE Mr. Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah presented credentials to President McAleese on 17 February 2010.