The United Arab Emirates and Canada have taken a significant step towards strengthening their bilateral relations, following talks between His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, in Ottawa on 27 October 2026. The meeting focused on expanding economic cooperation, encouraging investment and establishing a broader strategic partnership covering trade, energy, technology, defence and security. The talks formed part of His Highness Sheikh Khaled’s official visit to Canada from 26 to 27 October, marking the first visit to Canada by a Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The engagement reflected the growing importance both countries attach to their relationship at a time when governments are seeking stronger economic partnerships, more resilient supply chains and closer cooperation on international security.
According to official statements from the Canadian government and the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the leaders welcomed the progress made in bilateral relations since Prime Minister Carney’s visit to the UAE in November 2025. Both sides expressed their intention to build on that momentum and turn existing diplomatic ties into practical cooperation that delivers long-term benefits for their economies and people.
A central outcome of the meeting was the launch of the Canada-UAE Strategic Partnership, which provides a framework for expanding cooperation across several areas of shared interest. The leaders also welcomed the signing of the Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), intended to strengthen commercial relations, improve access to opportunities in both markets and support future economic growth. The agreement is particularly notable for the speed of its negotiations. The Canadian government reported that the CEPA was negotiated in a record 47 days, highlighting the determination of both countries to accelerate their economic engagement. The agreement follows the conclusion of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which entered into force in May 2026 and provides a framework intended to improve predictability for investors operating across the two markets.
Economic cooperation and investment featured prominently in the discussions. Both leaders welcomed progress towards the UAE’s commitment to invest $70 billion in Canada, with potential projects spanning energy, transportation infrastructure and technology. The investment framework is expected to create opportunities for Emirati and Canadian businesses while supporting Canada’s ambitions to attract international capital and strengthen key industries. Developments announced alongside the visit offered a further indication of the partnership’s commercial potential. Emirati companies were engaged in trade and investment negotiations with Canadian counterparts worth up to C$21.1 billion, equivalent to approximately US$15 billion, under the broader C$70 billion investment framework announced during Prime Minister Carney’s visit to the UAE in November 2025.
The negotiations cover four strategic areas: mining, logistics, energy and investment through sovereign wealth funds. While these discussions do not represent completed investments, they demonstrate progress towards identifying projects and opportunities that could deepen commercial ties between the two countries.
Beyond trade and investment, the two sides identified a broad range of sectors in which closer cooperation could deliver mutual benefits. These include artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, defence, clean energy, mining, infrastructure, logistics, aviation, space and food security. The emphasis on these areas reflects the changing nature of the bilateral relationship, with both governments seeking opportunities beyond traditional commercial exchanges. For Canada, stronger engagement with the UAE offers an opportunity to broaden its international economic partnerships and attract investment into infrastructure, technology and natural resources. For the UAE, cooperation with Canadian companies and institutions can support economic diversification, access to specialised expertise and the development of long-term international partnerships. The leaders also witnessed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding intended to advance their strategic priorities. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the agreements included cooperation in defence, renewable energy and diplomatic training, alongside the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. These arrangements are intended to provide a practical foundation for closer collaboration between government institutions and other relevant organisations.
The visit also carried diplomatic significance. During the meeting at Parliament Hill, His Highness Sheikh Khaled conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Prime Minister Carney, together with wishes for Canada’s continued progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Carney, in turn, asked the Crown Prince to convey his greetings and best wishes to the UAE President and the people of the Emirates. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, maritime security and wider international peace and security. They underlined the importance of dialogue, diplomatic solutions, regional stability, freedom of navigation and effective multilateral cooperation. These discussions demonstrated that the relationship extends beyond economic matters to include shared concerns about international stability and the security of vital maritime routes.
The visit builds on more than five decades of diplomatic relations between Canada and the UAE. According to figures published by the Canadian government ahead of the visit, bilateral merchandise trade reached $3.5 billion in 2025, comprising $2.8 billion in Canadian exports and $679.1 million in imports. More than 150 Canadian companies also have an operational presence in the UAE, while an estimated 60,000 Canadians live and work in the country. These connections provide an established foundation for the next phase of cooperation. As His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan concluded his official visit on 27 October, both governments had outlined a more ambitious direction for bilateral relations. The challenge now will be to translate the agreements, investment discussions and shared priorities into tangible projects and lasting economic outcomes.
The launch of the strategic partnership and the signing of the CEPA represent important milestones in that process. If implemented effectively, the new arrangements could expand opportunities for businesses, encourage investment and strengthen cooperation across emerging industries. For Canada and the UAE, the visit has established a stronger framework for a relationship intended to contribute to economic resilience, sustainable development and closer diplomatic engagement
