United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens will no longer need a visa to travel to Ireland.
The Government has been working with the UAE to scrap the requirements.
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, today announced the lifting of the visa requirement with effect from January 31.
"A large number of Irish citizens now live in the Emirates and many Irish companies are active on the ground where we have a busy Embassy promoting Irish interests," he said.
"The UAE is a key economic partner for Ireland and one of our priority markets.
"I am very pleased we have been able to lift the visa requirement for citizens of the UAE who wish to travel to Ireland and we look forward to welcoming increased numbers of Emirati business people, students and tourists who will travel to Ireland following the lifting of the visa requirement."
Tourism Ireland has welcomed the announcement saying it will be rolling out a special campaign to highlight Ireland as a tourist destination.
"This is really good news for Irish tourism. It is an historic step for Irish-Emirati relations and one which we hope will encourage more Emiratis to visit Ireland," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland."
- Digital Desk