CALGARY, 27 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates and the Canadian province of Alberta are advancing efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties following a high-level meeting between UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The talks were held during the Investopia Global – Alberta forum in Calgary, marking a significant step toward expanding cooperation across sectors tied to the new economy.
The meeting focused on developing joint initiatives in clean energy, food security, advanced manufacturing, space technologies, digital innovation and tourism. Officials from both sides discussed ways to increase investment flows and support private sector engagement, with an emphasis on sustainable development and knowledge exchange. Bin Touq said the UAE is working to broaden its network of global economic partnerships, identifying Canada, and Alberta specifically, as a strategic partner in innovation-led industries. He described Alberta as a center for clean technology and advanced industrial capabilities.
The UAE minister added that the Investopia platform is a key enabler for identifying investment opportunities and launching projects that align with both countries’ growth agendas. Premier Smith highlighted Alberta’s strengths in energy, agriculture and innovation, noting that the province offers a stable regulatory environment and diversified economy. She pointed to Alberta’s leadership in emissions-reduction technologies and its expanding capabilities in food production and agritech as areas of potential interest for Emirati investors.
Business council meeting outlines trade facilitation goals
The forum also featured a session of the UAE–Canada Business Council, bringing together senior executives and policymakers to discuss trade facilitation, cross-border investments and the potential for public-private partnerships. The council reviewed recent progress in bilateral trade relations and outlined frameworks to support long-term business collaboration. According to UAE Ministry of Economy data, the number of Canadian businesses operating in the UAE has grown steadily, with 14,719 Canadian business licenses recorded as of August 2025. This represents an increase of nearly 19 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting rising interest among Canadian firms in the UAE market. Alberta,
Canada’s fourth-largest province by population and GDP, has been strengthening ties with the UAE through participation in major trade events such as ADIPEC and Gulfood. In recent years, the province has undertaken trade missions to the Gulf region aimed at boosting exports and attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in energy, agri-food, and technology. The Investopia Global Alberta forum, an extension of the UAE-led Investopia initiative, marks the first time the platform has been hosted in North America. The event brought together more than 300 participants, including government officials, institutional investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries, to explore collaborative opportunities in high-growth sectors.
Regulatory alignment discussed for smoother market access
The UAE is one of Canada’s largest trading partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade exceeding CAD 2 billion in 2024. Alberta accounts for a substantial share of Canadian exports to the UAE, particularly in agri-food products, machinery, and chemicals. The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation and investment, supported by strategic partnerships with key international markets. Alberta’s growing economic engagement with the UAE reflects the province’s efforts to expand its global trade footprint and attract capital to support its economic diversification efforts. The outcomes of the Calgary forum are expected to support existing initiatives while facilitating new avenues of cooperation between government and business leaders in both regions.
The event also reinforced the importance of sustained dialogue and institutional coordination, with both sides agreeing to establish ongoing communication channels to monitor progress and identify future opportunities. Plans were announced to organize reciprocal trade missions, sector-specific roundtables, and policy exchanges aimed at reducing barriers to entry and enhancing regulatory alignment. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to build a resilient, innovation-driven partnership that contributes to long-term economic stability and growth across key industries. – By Content Syndication Services.