Photos: Dubai's Burj Al Arab, Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club go green for Ireland's #StPatricksDay

You might have noticed that instead of being basked in sunlight, landmarks around the UAE were lit up in a spectacular green over the weekend.

It was all in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, with Dubai buildings joining more than 300 monuments, stadiums, museums and towers from around the world in honour of Ireland.

The biggest lit-up landmarks in the UAE included Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium also had an exciting emerald buzz with The Irish Village celebrating the Celtic occasion.

Millions around the world saw Sydney Opera House, the London Eye, and the Colosseum in Rome mark the special Irish occasion.

The initiative follows a recent change in visa rules that allows UAE nationals to visit the Republic of Ireland without a permit.

There are now two daily flights to Dublin from Dubai – with Ireland seeming closer than ever before.

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “This is the ninth year of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative and each year I am delighted to see well-known attractions and landmark sites wishing to get involved and join our annual celebrations.

“The success of our Global Greening initiative is due in no small part to the great work that has been carried out across the world by Tourism Ireland and the Embassies of Ireland.

"The eagerness of cities and countries everywhere to take part underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland.”

According to the latest survey conducted by YouGov, nine out of ten UAE nationals enjoyed their trip to Ireland.

For more information, visit www.ireland.com