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The two ministers reviewed the growing momentum in bilateral trade and investment ties during the Canada Investment Summit held September 14-15 in Toronto, according to the Emirates News Agency. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Maninder Sidhu explored opportunities to expand cooperation in priority sectors that include clean energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, agri-food, aviation, space and infrastructure. Both sides stressed the need to speed up implementation of the $50 billion investment framework unveiled during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the UAE in November 2025, which serves as a platform for turning shared goals into concrete projects that drive long-term growth.
UAE government figures show bilateral non-oil trade reached approximately $4.2 billion in 2025, a 21 percent increase from the prior year. The trade volume for the first half of 2026 stood at about $2.03 billion, marking a 19 percent rise compared with the same period a year earlier. These gains build on earlier growth trends that have positioned the UAE as an important partner for Canada in the Middle East.
Global Affairs Canada reported that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations concluded in July 2026 after only two months of talks, one of the fastest such processes for either country. The pact is designed to cut tariffs, remove unnecessary barriers and improve market access for goods and services while enhancing supply chain resiliency. It complements the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that took effect in May 2026 and provides greater certainty for investors on both sides.
The ministers discussed how the agreements can support collaboration in areas where the economies are complementary, such as advanced technology, data centres and minerals processing, a statement from the meeting indicated. Canadian officials highlighted the upcoming summit as a venue for UAE sovereign wealth funds and businesses to connect with local partners and advance specific investment opportunities. Dr. Al Zeyoudi had earlier invited Sidhu to lead a Canadian trade delegation to the UAE to sustain the dialogue.
The investment framework targets key projects in ports, mining, liquefied natural gas facilities and artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to details released by Canadian authorities. UAE participation at the summit aligns with Canada’s broader push to diversify trade relationships amid global economic shifts. Bilateral merchandise trade has shown consistent upward momentum, with Canadian exports to the UAE increasing nearly 10 percent year on year in 2025 following a 24 percent rise the previous year.
