Canada and UAE Commit to Deeper Economic Partnership in Historic Leader-Level Meeting
Canada UAE partnership advances with new trade, investment, and security agreements
Canada UAE partnership moved into a new era this week as Prime Minister Mark Carney and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan committed to deepening bilateral engagement during their meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting, held November 20, brought Prime Minister Carney together with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to set a new roadmap for trade diversification, investment partnerships, and regional cooperation. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to economic development, stability, and long-term strategic collaboration backed by concrete agreements.
The two leaders announced the signing of a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and confirmed plans to launch negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Once in force, these agreements will create stronger investor protections, expand access for Canadian exporters, and position both economies to benefit from deeper cooperation in infrastructure, critical minerals, clean technology, AI, agri-food, and advanced manufacturing.
The UAE is one of Canada’s most significant commercial partners in the Middle East, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $3.4 billion in 2024. Today, more than 66,000 Canadians live and work in the UAE, contributing to growing academic, cultural, and commercial ties.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and I are ready to capitalise on the massive economic opportunities between Canada and the UAE.
With a new investment protection agreement and the launch of free trade negotiations, we’ll create more opportunities for workers,… pic.twitter.com/OU3zO5Il7d
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) November 20, 2025
Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada’s strengths in clean energy, critical minerals, AI, and infrastructure, while the UAE highlighted its global leadership in investment, logistics, and innovation. The leaders also announced the expansion of the Canada–UAE Air Transportation Agreement, further strengthening travel, tourism, and business connections.
As part of deepening industrial cooperation, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, will lead a high-level business delegation to the UAE in early 2026, with a focus on energy, AI, ICT, agri-food, and infrastructure.
At the Canadian–UAE Business Council Investment Summit, Prime Minister Carney delivered a keynote address outlining “a bold vision for expanding investment opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships across sectors, and deepening cooperation between the two nations,” according to the official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Energy and Climate Cooperation
Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to energy security and a just transition. The leaders agreed to deepen collaboration across LNG, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and responsible critical-minerals value chains—pairing Canada’s resource and technology strengths with the UAE’s global investment capabilities.
Water, Agri-Food, and Climate Resilience
Recognizing the central role of water in climate and development policy, the leaders highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing global water scarcity and emphasized the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal.
On agri-food, both countries expressed interest in pursuing new cooperation to strengthen climate-resilient food systems, leveraging Canada’s agricultural innovation and the UAE’s investments in food security.
Technology, Space, and Advanced Sciences
Canada and the UAE agreed to deepen cooperation in digital innovation, AI, clean technology, FinTech, and space, supported by expanded research collaboration and exchanges between institutions and industries.
Regional Security and Global Engagement
Prime Minister Carney and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
They underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic and humanitarian engagement, adherence to international law, and collective efforts to address extremism and hate speech. Both leaders reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution—emphasizing the need for stability, reconstruction, and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The leaders also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan and referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which outlines a path toward Palestinian statehood. They further condemned attacks against civilians in Sudan and called for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive political transition.
Prime Minister Carney concluded his visit with a stop at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where he paid tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding President.
In closing, the Prime Minister expressed “sincere appreciation to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm welcome and generous hospitality,” reaffirming his confidence in a future marked by “deepened cooperation and shared prosperity.”
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