ع
The Prime Minister’s Office announced that Mark Carney and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed during the crown prince’s visit to Ottawa to deepen bilateral ties through a new strategic partnership spanning economic cooperation, energy, technology, education, defence, diplomacy and cultural exchange. As an immediate outcome, the two countries signed the Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement after concluding negotiations in just 47 days, the fastest either nation has achieved for such a pact. This framework transforms a year of rapid progress into a long-term structure for collaboration, according to the release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The visit produced significant advances on the UAE’s commitment to invest $70 billion in Canada, first announced during Carney’s trip to Abu Dhabi in November 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office stated. Those funds are expected to flow into sectors including energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and logistics, building on earlier agreements that provide greater predictability for investors. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the sum could include new projects in mining, digital technology and related fields, with Emirati firms actively exploring deployment as soon as possible.
Ministers from both countries signed additional pacts on defence cooperation, clean power, energy infrastructure and diplomatic training during the visit, CBC News reported. The defence agreement covers military education, joint exercises, cybersecurity, information sharing and the creation of a joint military committee, according to government officials. These steps expand the relationship beyond commerce into security and strategic coordination at a time when Canada is seeking diversified partnerships.
Two-way trade between Canada and the UAE reached C$3.5 billion last year, according to government data, with the new CEPA expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on over 99 per cent of current Canadian exports to the UAE market. The Prime Minister’s Office projected the agreement could double bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade, opening doors for Canadian exporters in agriculture, aerospace, industrial machinery and environmental services. Reuters reported that the deal also addresses non-tariff barriers and improves market access across multiple sectors while creating a more predictable investment environment.
This engagement marked the first visit to Canada by a Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, underscoring the elevated priority both governments have placed on the relationship over the past year, the Prime Minister’s Office noted. Carney welcomed the progress as a vote of confidence in the Canadian economy that will support job creation and long-term prosperity. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand added that the partnership will unlock opportunities for businesses on both sides while reinforcing a resilient and diversified economic foundation.
The latest developments build directly on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that entered into force earlier this year following Carney’s meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to official records. Both sides have committed to continued collaboration in emerging areas such as quantum technologies, space and advanced communications, with reciprocal visits by sovereign wealth funds and pension investors planned for next year. UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi described the partnership as supporting a globally connected economy with benefits for private sector growth in high-potential industries.
