Abu Dhabi crown prince visits Ottawa as Canada pursues deeper UAE trade ties
Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan October 26–27 amid expanding investment and security links.
Canada’s government has announced an Ottawa visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on October 26 and 27. Prime Minister Mark Carney is presenting the meetings as an opportunity to build on recent agreements with the United Arab Emirates and deepen co-operation across economic and security sectors.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Canada and the UAE negotiated a comprehensive economic partnership agreement earlier in 2026, following an investment protection agreement that came into force in May. The government also points to a major investment commitment announced in 2025. Those undertakings provide context for the visit, but proposed investments and trade opportunities are not the same as funds already spent or projects already built.
Potential areas for discussion include defence, energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, development, space and advanced communications. Artificial intelligence and quantum technology are also on the agenda. The countries have had diplomatic and commercial ties for decades, with Canadian companies operating in the UAE and a sizable Canadian community living there.
Government figures value merchandise trade between the two countries at roughly $3.5 billion in 2025, including about $2.8 billion in Canadian exports. Ottawa hopes a broader partnership will make new markets and investment available to Canadian firms. What matters next is whether meetings produce specific agreements with transparent terms and clear benefits for businesses and workers. Any announcements made during the visit should be distinguished from the objectives released beforehand.