Canada and the UAE Launch a New Strategic Partnership, Marking a Milestone in Bilateral Relations

Ottawa, October 27, 2026 — The Canada Arab Congress on Middle East and North Africa Relations (CACMR) welcomes the launch of a new Strategic Partnership between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations and establishing a long-term framework for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, education, defence, diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney following meetings with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the partnership builds on more than five decades of Canada–UAE relations. The Crown Prince’s visit marked the first-ever visit to Canada by a Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, reflecting the growing importance of the relationship between the two countries.

Landmark Trade Agreement Opens New Economic Opportunities

A central achievement of the visit was the signing of the Canada–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), following negotiations concluded in a record 47 days. Once fully implemented, the agreement will reduce or eliminate tariffs on more than 99% of current Canadian exports to the UAE and improve market access for Canadian goods and services.

The agreement is expected to support Canadian businesses across agriculture, aerospace, industrial machinery, energy, forestry, fisheries, environmental services and engineering. It will also help reduce trade barriers, improve predictability for investors and businesses, strengthen supply chains, and create new opportunities for economic growth and employment. The agreement is expected to enter into force in 2027.

According to Canada’s Minister of International Trade, the agreement is expected to double two-way trade from $3.4 billion to $7 billion over the next decade, further positioning the UAE as an important gateway for Canadian businesses seeking opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa.

Advancing Investment and Strategic Cooperation

The visit also advanced the UAE’s historic $70 billion investment commitment to Canada, announced during Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Abu Dhabi in November 2025. New initiatives include cooperation between DP World, Arctic Gateway Group and CentrePort Canada to develop strategic trade and transportation connections, as well as an energy cooperation arrangement between Masdar and Natural Resources Canada to strengthen collaboration in renewable energy investment, development and operations.

An agreement between Invest in Canada and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also facilitate business connections, information sharing and visits between interested organizations, helping strengthen commercial ties and encourage further investment.

Beyond economic cooperation, Canada and the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation to advance military education and training, policy dialogue, joint exercises, defence industry collaboration and cybersecurity. The two countries also established a framework for enhanced diplomatic training and education through cooperation between Global Affairs Canada and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.

Further discussions will explore cooperation on justice and public safety, including potential extradition and mutual legal assistance treaties.

A New Chapter in Canada–Gulf Relations

CACMR recognizes the launch of this Strategic Partnership as an important development in Canada’s engagement with the Gulf region and the wider Middle East and North Africa. By connecting trade liberalization with investment, energy, security, technology and diplomatic cooperation, the partnership provides a foundation for deeper and more resilient bilateral relations.

CACMR welcomes initiatives that strengthen economic ties, encourage innovation, expand opportunities for businesses and communities, and foster constructive international cooperation. The Canada–UAE partnership demonstrates the value of sustained diplomatic engagement and shared ambition in advancing prosperity and stability.

As a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to building bridges between Canada and the Middle East and North Africa, CACMR looks forward to the continued development of partnerships that promote mutual understanding, economic opportunity and lasting cooperation.

People. Partnerships. Prosperity.