The Gulf States are increasingly popular as a destination for Irish migrants, with thousands moving there in recent years.

There is evidence of an Irish community in Dubai from the early 1970s. Since then, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland have been successfully developing cooperation in economic affairs, education, technology, sport and cultural exchange. Irish professionals in Dubai are now well-represented across key industry sectors, and have developed a strong social identity supported by various local commercial, social and cultural networks.

I am a researcher within the Discipline of Geography at NUIG. I am currently researching contemporary highly-skilled migration to Dubai and I am looking to speak with Irish citizens who have migrated to Dubai and lived there for at least a year.

Those willing to be interviewed can do so anonymously. Interviews will take about 90 minutes, at a location of your choice in Dubai or Ireland. Interview questions will focus on the experience of living in Dubai and the constraints and opportunities it presents. The results will be published in academic publications and will form part of a PhD thesis. If you wish to participate, contact f.carter1@nuigalway.ie.