Senior UAE and Canadian representatives convened at the Canada Investment Summit 2026 to advance economic cooperation, with discussions centering on implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement concluded in July. The agreement, finalized in record time, aims to cut tariffs, remove trade barriers and open new opportunities in sectors ranging from aerospace to agri-food and clean technology, according to statements from both governments. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $4.2 billion in 2025, reflecting 21 percent year-on-year growth, with Canadian exports to the UAE rising nearly 10 percent, Canada.ca figures show. UAE non-oil exports to Canada climbed 11 percent to $638 million that year, led by jewellery, steel structures and perfumes, a UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade assessment found.
The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney in partnership with CPP Investments and PSP Investments, drew global investors overseeing more than $100 trillion in assets to Toronto this week. UAE participation underscored a $50 billion investment commitment made during Carney’s November 2025 visit to Abu Dhabi targeting Canada’s critical minerals, energy, ports and artificial intelligence projects. This pledge aligns with Canada’s goal of catalysing $1 trillion in total investment over five years, the Prime Minister’s Office reported. Four major UAE sovereign wealth funds joined the gathering, contributing to nearly $500 billion in new investment announcements unveiled at the event’s close.
Negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement were launched in November 2025 and wrapped up within 47 days, marking the fastest such deal under the UAE’s programme that has now secured pacts with 38 countries. The UAE aims to grow non-oil foreign trade to $1.1 trillion by 2031, having already surpassed $1 trillion six years ahead of schedule, according to its Ministry of Foreign Trade. Canadian officials described the CEPA as a milestone that will double trade from current levels within a decade, echoing outcomes from similar agreements with other partners.
Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, welcomed the UAE delegation at the summit and highlighted the deepening relationship. “The conclusion of CEPA negotiations between the UAE and Canada marks a defining chapter in a relationship that has grown significantly in depth and ambition,” Sidhu said in remarks carried by official releases. His UAE counterpart, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, noted the agreement reflects strong bilateral bonds and will facilitate collaboration in advanced technology and supply-chain resilience. The discussions at the Canada Investment Summit 2026 reinforced these priorities, with both sides exploring joint ventures in data centres and sustainable infrastructure.
Commercial services trade between the two countries added $445 million in 2024, complementing the merchandise flows and underscoring the breadth of economic links, a Global Affairs Canada review indicated. More than 150 Canadian companies maintain operations in the UAE, while the new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that entered into force in May 2026 provides additional safeguards for investors. Summit sessions also addressed regulatory alignment to ease market access for Canadian exporters in the Gulf and for UAE firms seeking opportunities in North America.
The event forms part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify trading relationships amid global uncertainties, with the UAE positioned as its top export market in the Middle East. Officials reviewed progress on existing commitments and identified new avenues for partnership in renewable energy and critical minerals processing, according to a joint readout from the summit. These talks are expected to translate into concrete projects that support job creation and economic resilience in both nations.
