Canada and UAE Strengthen Ties During 2025 Diplomatic Visit

Post by : Bandanpreet Kaur

Photo: WAM

From June 19 to 20, 2025, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, welcomed Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, for an official visit to Canada. The visit showed how both countries are working together to build stronger ties in areas like trade, investment, technology, people connections, and world peace.

Sheikh Abdullah also met Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney. During the meeting, he gave Prime Minister Carney an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit the UAE this year.

Both sides agreed to grow their partnership, especially in business. One of the key moments was the launch of the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto, the first of its kind in North America. This new office will help businesses in both countries connect better. The launch was attended by Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and the UAE’s envoy to Canada, Sultan Al Mansoori. This step supports Dubai’s Global initiative and shows how much both countries want to work together in areas like AI, energy, and infrastructure.

The Canada-UAE Business Council also plays a big role in helping businesses from both countries meet and find new ways to work together. One example of this teamwork is the global project between Quebec’s Caisse de dépôt and DP World, which runs 15 ports and logistics parks. Canada and the UAE plan to build more such partnerships and are working to finish a new agreement that protects foreign investments.

On June 19, 2025, a special business roundtable was held, led by Minister Sidhu and UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi. This event helped connect business leaders from both countries.

Working Together on AI and Technology:
Both Canada and the UAE understand how important artificial intelligence (AI) is. Canada recently appointed its first Minister of AI and Digital Innovation. The UAE has also taken the lead, being the first to appoint a Minister of State for AI. The two countries plan to share ideas, talent, and resources to use AI in ways that are fair, safe, and helpful for people everywhere.

Solving Water Issues Together:
Canada and the UAE know that clean water is a global issue. They talked about new ways to solve water problems and looked forward to the UN Water Conference in 2026, which the UAE will host with Senegal. They praised the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which is working to solve water shortages.

Energy and Natural Resources:
Canada and the UAE also want to work together in energy. They plan to support clean energy and reduce carbon pollution. Canada welcomes UAE's interest in growing investments in energy fields like hydrogen, nuclear, and natural gas. Both countries want to build on existing partnerships and support new projects, especially those focused on a clean future.

Peace and Security Around the World:
Both countries promised to support peace and safety in the Middle East and other regions. They condemned terrorism and hate speech. They want to protect the rights of all people and solve problems through peace and talks. Canada and the UAE both called for a full ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, and more help for people in need. They agreed that the only way forward in the region is peaceful dialogue and a two-state solution.

Working Together on Global Aid:
Canada praised the UAE for its strong support in global emergencies. The UAE is now the biggest aid donor to Gaza and has helped in prisoner exchanges in Ukraine. Both sides said they will keep working together to help people affected by wars and disasters, by focusing on justice, human rights, and peace.

People-to-People Ties:
Canada and the UAE are proud of their growing friendships between their people. More Emirati students are studying in Canada, and over 60,000 Canadians live and work in the UAE. These connections help both countries grow. They also support cultural programs like the "As the Sun Appears from Beyond" art exhibition in Toronto, which shows the beauty of Islamic art.

Looking Ahead:
The two countries will continue to meet often through a Joint Committee that helps guide their partnership. Canada will host the next big meeting. Both sides want to keep working together to build a strong, friendly, and helpful partnership that brings real benefits to their people and the world.

Canada-UAE relations