UAE and Canada Bolster Ties, Vow Support for Global Peace Efforts in Historic Meeting

Historic Bilateral Meeting in Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney convened in Abu Dhabi on November 20, 2025, for a pivotal meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global peace initiatives. The talks, held at Qasr Al Shati, represented the first in-person bilateral engagement between Canadian and Emirati leaders since 1983, underscoring its significant strategic importance.

Prime Minister Carney's official visit to the UAE sought to enhance the Canada-UAE economic partnership and expand opportunities for businesses and workers in both nations.

Deepening Economic Cooperation and Investment

A central outcome of the meeting was the launch of an ambitious roadmap designed to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, and regional security. Key agreements and initiatives announced include:

• The signing of the new Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). This agreement aims to establish clearer rules and protections for investors, fostering a more predictable environment for two-way investment and supporting long-term partnerships between Canadian and UAE industries.
• The initiation of negotiations toward a Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This prospective free trade agreement is intended to cut tariffs, remove trade barriers, and expand market access for Canadian exporters across various sectors, including engineering, construction, aerospace, agri-food, and seafood.
• A commitment from the UAE to invest up to $50 billion in Canada. These investments will target high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and energy, aligning with Canada's goal to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade and attract $1 trillion in new investment over five years.

Both leaders expressed keenness to foster partnerships in key development areas, including technology, clean energy, climate action, education, culture, and sustainability, building on a longstanding partnership that spans more than five decades.

Commitment to Regional Security and Global Peace

The discussions also encompassed a wide range of regional security issues in the Middle East and Africa. Both leaders affirmed their shared commitment to supporting efforts that promote peace, security, and regional and global stability.

A significant focus was placed on the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to Palestine. Prime Minister Carney acknowledged President Sheikh Mohamed's leadership in facilitating access to aid and highlighted Canada's provision of over $400 million in international assistance to Palestine to date. The leaders emphasized the urgency of bringing stability to Palestine and agreed to maintain close contact on the matter. Additionally, Prime Minister Carney raised the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan during their talks.

A New Chapter in UAE-Canada Relations

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that UAE-Canada relations serve as a model for cooperation aimed at advancing development and prosperity globally. The visit, which was Prime Minister Carney's first official trip to the UAE, signals a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations.