UAE President and Canadian Prime Minister Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Engagement and Economic Cooperation

ABU DHABI – Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada met with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 20th November 2025 in Abu Dhabi to advance bilateral relations and outline priorities for trade and investment. This meeting, the first at the leader level in over four decades, reflected a shared commitment to promoting prosperity, stability, and security through actionable initiatives.

Building on over 50 years of diplomatic relations, both leaders expressed a mutual interest in further enhancing the partnership, establishing an ambitious roadmap to expand cooperation in trade, investment, regional security, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries identified opportunities to leverage strengths in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, agri-food, water management, climate resilience, infrastructure, critical minerals, and energy to benefit both nations.

Prime Minister Carney’s visit marks a new phase in Canada-UAE relations, with a focus on elevating bilateral ties and promoting investment as a means of fostering innovation, economic growth, and business opportunities.

Trade and Economic Relations

Canada and the UAE maintain strong economic ties based on mutual trust and a commitment to deepen collaboration. Bilateral merchandise trade reached CAD3.4 billion in 2024. The visit emphasizes efforts to diversify trade and enhance engagement in strategic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, clean technology, food security, and innovation.

The Canada-UAE Joint Committee for Cooperation serves as a platform to advance bilateral ties, monitor progress, align priorities, and facilitate coordination between governments while encouraging private sector participation.

During the visit, the leaders announced the signing of a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and expressed intent to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). These agreements aim to provide investor protections, liberalize trade in goods and services, and expand commercial opportunities for companies in both countries.

The leaders also highlighted plans to enhance people-to-people and commercial relations through the expansion of the Canada-UAE Air Transportation Agreement. Prime Minister Carney noted that Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, will lead a high-level business delegation to the UAE in early 2026 to support partnerships across energy, AI, ICT, security, infrastructure, agri-food, and advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Carney delivered a keynote address at the Investment Summit hosted by the Canadian–UAE Business Council, outlining achievements to date and future opportunities to strengthen sectoral partnerships and investment cooperation.

Both countries reaffirmed commitment to sustained engagement and advancing a partnership that delivers tangible benefits. They acknowledged the contributions of academic partnerships, the Canadian community in the UAE, and educational exchanges supporting Emiratis in medicine, engineering, and finance. The UAE is home to more than 66,000 Canadians.

Energy

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to energy security and a just energy transition. They agreed to deepen cooperation in LNG, nuclear energy, hydrogen, and responsible critical-minerals development, leveraging Canada’s resources and technology alongside UAE logistics and investment capabilities. Both leaders welcomed the UAE’s growing investment in Canada and aimed to expand collaboration in the energy sector.

Water

Canada and the UAE highlighted the central role of water in global climate and development discussions, emphasizing innovation to address water scarcity, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. The 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, is expected to provide a platform for advancing global water resilience and sustainable water management.

Agri-Food

Both countries recognize the importance of resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for global food security. They committed to exploring collaboration that draws on complementary strengths and supports modern, efficient, and climate-responsive agri-food systems.

Advanced Sciences, Space, and Innovation

Canada and the UAE agreed to expand cooperation in AI, digital innovation, FinTech, clean technology, and sustainable energy, with continued institutional dialogue to advance research, commercialization, and responsible deployment. Both countries emphasized building inclusive, secure, and sustainable industries that enhance supply chain resilience and contribute to long-term economic growth.

Regional Stability and Security

Both leaders agreed to take steps to promote peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity in the Middle East and beyond. They emphasized sustained diplomatic engagement, humanitarian leadership, and multilateral cooperation to address regional and global challenges. Canada acknowledged the UAE’s role in humanitarian response and mediation initiatives, and both leaders supported durable solutions grounded in international law and inclusive political processes.

They reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, supporting the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. The leaders welcomed US President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan and UN Security Council resolution 2803 as instruments for implementing peace and advancing Palestinian self-determination.

Both countries expressed concern over extremism and committed to combating hate speech, extremism, and racism while promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue. They called for adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. The leaders specifically called for an end to the occupation of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands.

On Sudan, the leaders condemned attacks on civilians by both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, urging respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. They welcomed Quad efforts for a ceasefire and inclusive transition toward an independent, civilian-led government.

Visit Highlights

During the visit, Prime Minister Carney visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, paying tribute to the legacy of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding President. At the conclusion of the visit, he expressed appreciation to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the hospitality and highlighted confidence in further deepening cooperation and shared prosperity between Canada and the UAE.