Saudi-Irish Relationship

The Saudi-Irish relationship has its roots in the November 1919 visit by Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, later King Faisal, to Ireland. The relationship is based on mutual interests with regular dialogue on political and economic issues which are reinforced through exchanges in areas such as commerce, culture, and education.  Saudi Arabia values Ireland’s global political and humanitarian role.  Together, both countries place a major emphasis on providing international humanitarian assistance.  Saudi Arabia is one of the top foreign aid donors in the world.

Saudi Arabia and Ireland enjoy strong economic and educational relations.  Saudi Arabia is the third-largest non-EU destination for Irish exports behind the United States and China.  Ireland's exports to Saudi Arabia include services, food and agricultural products, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products.  Ireland imports coal, gas, and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia.  Many of the Kingdom's exports reach Ireland through many European Union member states. To promote greater economic cooperation, Saudi Arabia made it easier for Irish tourists and businesspersons to travel and operate in the country. Irish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival.
 
Ireland has made major cultural contributions in the world for centuries and is welcoming to other cultures and hosts numerous cultural festivals.  The Irish people likewise have a passion for interacting with other nations and embracing different cultures.  Ireland's highly rated educational system, including its third-level colleges, has attracted many Saudi students to study pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, engineering, and information technology.  Saudi Arabia also has been a top destination for Irish teachers.  The high demand for third-level education among Saudi students had led to the establishment of the Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau in 2012 to supervise the Saudi scholarship students.