In a meaningful step forward for Canada-UAE relations, The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, to Ottawa from June 19 to 20, 2025.
The visit reaffirmed a shared ambition to deepen cooperation across key areas such as trade, innovation, international development, and regional peace.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Collaboration
During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and extended, on behalf of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a formal invitation for the Prime Minister to visit the UAE.
One of the key highlights was the official launch of the Dubai Chambers’ first North American office in Toronto, part of the wider Dubai Global initiative. This strategic move reflects a mutual commitment to boosting trade and investment flows, particularly in emerging sectors like AI, energy, and infrastructure.
The launch event was attended by Canada’s Minister of International Trade, The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, and UAE Envoy HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori.
Both countries also acknowledged the impact of the Canada-UAE Business Council and long-standing institutional partnerships such as the collaboration between Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and DP World, which spans 15 global ports and logistics hubs.
Pushing Boundaries in Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Tech
With both nations leading the way in artificial intelligence, Canada and the UAE are exploring joint opportunities to promote ethical AI development.
Canada recently appointed its first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, while the UAE continues its trailblazing efforts through the world’s first Ministry of AI.
There was strong consensus on supporting inclusive, secure, and sustainable tech ecosystems that drive innovation and global competitiveness.
Water Security and Sustainability
Water remains central to both nations’ climate agendas. With the UAE set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference alongside Senegal, both sides underscored the urgency of global cooperation on water innovation.
The UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched in 2024, stands as a benchmark for tackling global water scarcity through tech-led solutions.
Advancing a Just Energy Transition
Energy collaboration emerged as another cornerstone of the visit. The UAE’s growing investment footprint in Canada highlights robust commercial alignment in clean energy, critical minerals, hydrogen, LNG, and nuclear development.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a low-carbon future and a resilient global energy supply chain.
Promoting Regional and Global Peace
Canada and the UAE reiterated their unwavering commitment to peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian leadership.
They jointly condemned terrorism and extremism in all forms and emphasized the need for dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly in addressing the Israel-Iran conflict and the crisis in Gaza.
Both sides called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian relief to Gaza.
The visit also reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement in building long-term regional stability.
Deepening Institutional and Development Cooperation
Canada and the UAE highlighted the role of the Joint Committee for Cooperation (JC) as a key platform for advancing dialogue on trade, climate, and security. The next Ministerial meeting will be hosted by Canada.
In global development, Canada praised the UAE’s strong humanitarian track record—from Gaza to Ukraine—and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation on emergency aid, community empowerment, and conflict mediation.
Both nations committed to pursuing sustainable development and inclusive peacebuilding, rooted in human dignity and international law.
People-to-People Connections and Cultural Exchange
At the heart of this growing partnership lies a vibrant people-to-people relationship. Canada recognized the rising number of Emirati students in its universities, while the UAE acknowledged the dynamic role of 60,000 Canadians living and contributing across the Emirates.
Shared values of mutual respect and cultural dialogue were celebrated through collaborative efforts like the Toronto exhibition “As the Sun Appears from Beyond”, organized by the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The visit marked a pivotal moment in Canada-UAE ties—anchored in trust, opportunity, and a shared vision for sustainable growth and global peace.
Both countries remain committed to high-level engagement and strategic collaboration that brings meaningful benefits to their people and the world.
