In a rapidly changing world, Canada’s government is focused on what we can control: building our strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad. Canada has transformed our relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), securing landmark agreements catalysing major new investment, and expanding opportunities for both countries.
To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced today that the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will visit Ottawa from October 26 to 27, 2026.
Earlier this year, Canada and the UAE successfully negotiated a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in a record 47 days. This followed the two countries’ successful efforts to finalise the Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which entered into force in May, providing greater predictability for Canadian and Emirati investors. With these developments and the UAE’s historic commitment to Canadian investment and growth, the leaders will work to expand the partnership to new strategic areas. These include defence and security, energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, international development, space and advanced communications technologies, and quantum and artificial intelligence.
At a time of profound global transformation, Canada and the UAE are working to deepen their partnership and build greater economic strength, shared security, and long-term prosperity for people in both countries.
Quotes
“Canada and the United Arab Emirates have enormous potential to deepen our economic and security ties. Building on the progress we have made over the past year, we will turn that potential into concrete results – more trade, new investment, and greater certainty, security, and prosperity for both our peoples.”
The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada and the United Arab Emirates are entering a new chapter in our partnership – one that advances shared prosperity and strengthens our capacity to address regional and global challenges. We are building closer economic, diplomatic, and security ties to create opportunities for our peoples and support international peace and stability. This cooperation reflects our shared ambition for a more secure, resilient, and prosperous future.”
The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Canada and the United Arab Emirates are forging a more ambitious trade and economic relationship. We moved at speed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in a record 47 days, and the UAE’s $70 billion investment commitment is a strong vote of confidence in our economy. Across energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and agri-food, our partnership with the UAE will unlock new opportunities for Canadian businesses and create more good-paying jobs here at home.”
The Hon. Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
- For over 50 years, Canada and the UAE have enjoyed a strong and broad relationship focused on building prosperity through economic cooperation, strengthening regional security, and advancing economic development in third countries.
- In 2025, Canada’s two-way merchandise trade with the UAE was valued at $3.5 billion, with $2.8 billion in exports and $679.1 million in imports. That same year, Canadian merchandise exports to the UAE grew by over 10%.
- More than 150 Canadian companies have an operational presence in the UAE, and it is estimated that 60,000 Canadians live and work in the country.
- In November 2025, Prime Minister Carney visited the UAE, where he joined His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to sign the Canada-UAE FIPA, launch negotiations toward a CEPA, and announce a landmark $70 billion investment commitment from the UAE to Canada.
- Canada and the UAE concluded negotiations toward a CEPA in July 2026 – making this the fastest such agreement ever negotiated in the two countries’ histories.