In a significant development, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across key areas including trade, investment, innovation, people-to-people ties, international development, and regional peace and security. The announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
On June 19-20, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, paid a visit to Ottawa, Canada, where he was hosted by the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The visit marked a significant step forward in the Canada-UAE relationship, with both countries emphasizing their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity across the region.
During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and discussed the growing ties between Canada and the UAE. He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney to visit the UAE this year, further solidifying the bilateral relationship. The UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also launched the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto, the organization’s first in North America, aimed at fostering deeper commercial ties.
Canada and the UAE expressed their commitment to exploring new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, and infrastructure. Both countries recognized the importance of inclusive, secure, responsible, and sustainable AI development that supports innovation and economic growth. The Ministers welcomed ongoing dialogue between institutions and stakeholders to explore cooperation in AI and emerging technology research, commercialization, and responsible deployment.
The two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing global water challenges, with a focus on investing in water technology and innovation to scale up water-scarcity solutions. Canada and the UAE emphasized their dedication to building on their current ties in the fields of energy and critical energy-transition minerals while promoting investment opportunities and enhancing mutual investment attraction.
In addition to these areas, Canada and the UAE reiterated their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity across the Middle East and beyond. They condemned all acts of terrorism and reaffirmed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, humanitarian leadership, and multilateral cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges.
The two countries also celebrated their deepening people-to-people ties, recognizing mutual recognition of academic excellence and cultural exchange initiatives. The Ministers stressed their shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding and respect through intercultural dialogue and landmark events such as the recent exhibition of contemporary Islamic art.
The visit marked a significant step forward in the Canada-UAE relationship, with both countries committed to maintaining high-level engagement, concluding further mutually beneficial instruments, and building a durable, forward-looking partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.
A Key Moment in the Strengthening of Bilateral Relations
The visit by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been hailed as a key moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Canada and the UAE. The two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, innovation, people-to-people ties, international development, and regional peace and security.
The partnership between Canada and the UAE is built on mutual respect, shared objectives, and a common vision for sustainable prosperity and global stability. As the two countries move forward, they are committed to fostering a deeper and more institutionalized partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.
A New Era of Cooperation
The visit by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan marks a new era of cooperation between Canada and the UAE. The two countries have agreed to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, and infrastructure.
The partnership between Canada and the UAE has the potential to drive significant economic growth, promote sustainable development, and enhance global stability. As the two countries move forward, they are committed to fostering a deeper and more institutionalized partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the visit by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been hailed as a significant moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Canada and the UAE. The two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, innovation, people-to-people ties, international development, and regional peace and security.
The partnership between Canada and the UAE is built on mutual respect, shared objectives, and a common vision for sustainable prosperity and global stability. As the two countries move forward, they are committed to fostering a deeper and more institutionalized partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.