About us

The Dubai Irish Society was established in 1974 and is one of the earliest established ex pat societies in Dubai. The focus of the Dubai Irish Society is to promote and support Irish Culture and the Irish Community in Dubai. Since its inception The Dubai Irish Society provides social, sporting and cultural events relevant to Irish people living in Dubai.

In recent years the Dubai Irish Society has forged links with other Irish associations within the Emirate most notably the Irish Business Network (“IBN”), The Dubai Celts GAA Club and The Dubai Irish Golf Society. Through these links we have seen the society grow from strength to strength with record numbers of Gaelic Football teams traveling in from around the Gulf to attend the annual Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games and also our social gatherings consistently boasting sold out events.

The Dubai Irish Society also works very closely with the Irish Embassy based in Abu Dhabi, the society has co – ordinated with the Embassy on high profile visits such as the visit of Uachtarán Na hEireann Mary McAleese and former Taoisigh.

 

History

The Dubai Irish Society was established in 1974 and is one of the oldest ex pat societies in Dubai. The focus of the Dubai Irish Society has always been to promote Irish culture, heritage, and business within the Irish Community in Dubai.  The first official function of the society was the St Patrick’s Day Ball held on March 1975 at the Ambassador Hotel with 100 guests in attendance. The guest of honour for the evening was the British Ambassador to the UAE at the time DJ Mc Carthy. The inaugural event was a resounding success a tradition continuing to this day; with the annual  St Patrick’s Day ball being the highlight of the Dubai Irish Society social calendar.

 

Dubai Irish Society Committee  2011-2012

Chairperson: Adele Smiddy
Vice Chairperson: Louise Jennings
Treasurer: Stephanie Williams
Membership Secretary: Breege Doherty

Committee Member: Tom Hoban
Committee Member: John Hayes
Committee Member: Suzi Morgan
Committee Member: Paul Sills