There's something special about the Irish Business Network (IBN) Annual Seminar in Dubai that keeps drawing us back year after year. As we wrapped up our third consecutive attendance at this remarkable event, one thing became crystal clear: it’s not just another business conference, it's a celebration of community, innovation, and the unmistakable Irish spirit that makes doing business here so rewarding.

The Magic of the Irish Business Community in Dubai

Walking into the IBN seminar feels like stepping into something extraordinary. The Irish business community in Dubai has built something truly remarkable, a network that's both accomplished and influential, but also genuinely welcoming and collaborative. Whether you're a seasoned executive, a startup founder, or somewhere in between, there's a warmth and openness that makes every conversation meaningful.

This year's theme, "The Edge," couldn't have been more fitting. We watched as founders, executives, investors, and advisors came together to explore the transformations shaping business across the UAE, Ireland, and beyond. But what struck us most wasn't just the caliber of the discussions; it was the energy in the room, the laughter between sessions, and the genuine connections being made at every turn.

Real Conversations, Real Solutions

The best part about IBN? The conversations don't end when the panels do. Some of our most memorable moments happened in the corridors and during breaks, when founders and CFOs approached us with the kind of candid questions that remind us why we do what we do:

"So… I can really fly business class and expense it properly?"

"How is this solution not everywhere already?"

One finance leader even pulled out their phone to show us screenshots of expense approvals stuck in WhatsApp threads, a perfect reminder that the challenges we're solving at Qashio aren't theoretical. They're happening in real businesses, every single day, and the Irish business community in Dubai is hungry for better solutions.

These spontaneous conversations gave us something invaluable: a live pulse check on what the market actually cares about and where it's heading.

‍

‍

Insights That Inspire

The speaker lineup this year was nothing short of exceptional, bringing together brilliant minds from across business, technology, and policy. Each session offered fresh perspectives that had us furiously taking notes:

H.E. Omar Sultan AlOlama, UAE Minister of State for AI, shared why AI has moved beyond hype to become essential infrastructure, fundamentally changing how both government and private enterprise operate. His vision for the UAE's AI-driven future was both inspiring and practical.

Trevor McFarlane, CEO of EMIR, masterfully mapped out how geopolitics serves as the backdrop to every business decision in our region – a perspective that's crucial for anyone operating across borders.

Roberto Ordonez, Senior Advisor at EMIR, completely reframed how we think about negotiation, positioning it as trust-building rather than tactical maneuvering. This insight resonated with so many of the relationship-driven Irish businesspeople in attendance.

Ambassador Alison Milton from the Embassy of Ireland took us on a journey through 50 years of UAE-Ireland relations, painting an exciting picture of what the next 50 years might hold for this growing partnership.

Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia, challenged everyone to identify and bet on the emerging sectors that will reshape entire economies, advice that sparked animated discussions well into the evening.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, shared fascinating insights from bringing Primark to the UAE, with his memorable observation: "It is a people-driven company, selling products." This human-centered approach clearly struck a chord with the community-minded Irish audience.

‍

The Joy of Collaboration

While the main stage sessions were incredible, we found equal value in sharing the stage with fellow innovators. Working alongside Eoin Sheridan from Solas AV, Caragh Curran from Sustainable Tourism Consultants, and Mohammad Faieq Mohammad Daoud from Ibtikar Robotics reminded us of the diverse entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the Irish business ecosystem in Dubai.

The broader lineup included thought leaders like Gavin Maxwell from Bain & Company, Frank Kane from Arab News, and Dr Umair Qureshi from The Brain & Performance Centre , among many others. Each brought unique perspectives that enriched the entire experience.

We can't forget to celebrate Amanda Magee Gavin and the incredible IBN organizing team. Their seamless execution made the entire event feel effortless, allowing everyone to focus on what matters most: connecting, learning, and having a genuinely good time.

‍

Why We Can't Wait for Next Year

As we left the venue, energized by conversations and inspired by new connections, we realized something important: IBN has become more than an annual commitment for Qashio; it's become a highlight we eagerly anticipate.

‍

‍