Canada-UAE Strengthen Ties with New Trade & AI Pact

The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Foreign Minister, recently welcomed H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, for an official visit to Canada from June 19 to 20, 2025. The visit showed how both countries are committed to working more closely together in areas like trade, investment, innovation, education, international development, and global peace.

During the visit, Sheikh Abdullah met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He passed on an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the Canadian Prime Minister to visit the UAE later this year.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the launch of the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto—its first office in North America. This move aims to increase business and trade between the two countries. Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and the UAE’s representative, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, attended the event. Both sides see this as a big step toward future cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, energy, infrastructure, and more.

The Canada-UAE Business Council was also praised for helping business leaders from both nations work together. One successful example is the partnership between Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and UAE-based DP World, which runs logistics hubs in many countries. Canada and the UAE also said they want to finish talks on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) soon.

A business roundtable was also held on June 19, where Maninder Sidhu and UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi discussed business opportunities.

Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
Both countries agreed that AI is an important area for collaboration. Canada, which just appointed its first minister for AI, has one of the strongest AI sectors globally. The UAE, known for being the first to have a minister for AI, wants to work together with Canada on responsible, secure, and ethical AI development. They plan to support innovation, talent, and infrastructure in this field.

Working Together on Water Challenges
Canada and the UAE talked about the importance of water in climate action. They are preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE and Senegal will host. The UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, started in 2024, was highlighted as a major step in solving global water scarcity.

Energy and Natural Resources
The two nations agreed to expand cooperation in energy, including natural gas, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and critical minerals. The UAE is already investing in Canadian energy, and Canada welcomed more formal partnerships. They aim to support the shift to cleaner energy and improve energy security.

Promoting Peace and Security
Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and fighting extremism. They condemned terrorism and called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent aid for civilians. They also stressed the need for dialogue to help solve the Israel-Iran conflict and support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Joint Committee for Cooperation
Both countries are using their Joint Committee for Cooperation to regularly meet and talk about key issues like trade, climate, and defence. The next meeting will be held in Canada.

Humanitarian and Development Support
Canada praised the UAE’s leadership in humanitarian aid, especially in Gaza and Ukraine, where the UAE has played a big role in peace efforts and prisoner exchanges. Both countries agreed to continue helping vulnerable communities and working together during global crises.

Strong People-to-People Connections
The visit also highlighted the strong relationship between the people of both countries. More Emirati students are studying in Canada, and over 60,000 Canadians live and work in the UAE. Cultural events, such as an Islamic art exhibition held in Toronto with the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture, further showed their shared values and cultural bonds.