The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi received a briefing from Emirati students on their academic specializations and experiences at Canadian universities during a gathering in Ottawa. He inquired about the challenges and opportunities they face while pursuing higher education abroad. The meeting, which took place as part of a broader official program, included discussions on how their acquired knowledge aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities in innovation and economic growth, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged the students to excel in their fields and apply their learning toward the UAE’s development objectives upon completion of their studies. He emphasized the value of international exposure in building a skilled national workforce capable of driving future progress. Officials accompanying the Crown Prince on the visit joined the session, underscoring leadership support for Emirati youth pursuing global educational opportunities.
The student meeting occurred during Sheikh Khaled’s first official visit to Canada as Crown Prince, which included high-level talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney on October 27, 2026. The leaders witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and additional memorandums focused on defence, renewable energy and diplomatic training. They also advanced elements of a UAE commitment to invest up to $70 billion in Canadian sectors including energy and infrastructure, a Canadian government readout stated.
Canada has emerged as a preferred destination for Emirati students, with nearly 9,000 university applications submitted from the UAE each year. A Khaleej Times report from 2024 highlighted that education consultants observed rising numbers heading to Canadian institutions due to competitive tuition fees starting around CAD 13,700 annually for undergraduate programs and strong industry-linked co-op opportunities. Statistics Canada figures from the 2016 census placed the Emirati immigrant population at approximately 20,990, with many concentrated in Ontario.
Canadian postsecondary institutions enrolled thousands of international students from the UAE in recent years, drawn by 30 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for 2025, including the University of Toronto at 25th globally. The Canadian government set a target of admitting 408,000 international students in 2026, though caps on study permits have introduced additional planning considerations for applicants. Merit-based scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide further support for qualified Emirati candidates.
The UAE maintains various government-backed scholarship initiatives that facilitate citizen studies at leading international universities, contributing to a broader strategy of human capital development. Such programs have supported Emiratis across disciplines including engineering, technology and sciences that align with national diversification efforts. The Crown Prince’s engagement with students reflects ongoing high-level interest in their welfare and academic outcomes while abroad.