Canada and United Arab Emirates conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations
News release
July 24, 2026 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), were in Toronto, Ontario, to welcome the successful conclusion of negotiations toward the Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Negotiations toward the agreement were launched during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the UAE in November 2025, and their conclusion marks an important milestone in the growing partnership between the two countries.
Once implemented, the agreement will advance Canada’s economic priorities by:
- strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties
- improving market access for Canadian businesses
- reducing barriers to trade
- enhancing supply chain resiliency
- creating new opportunities for workers and businesses in the two countries
Minister Sidhu and Minister Al Zeyoudi also discussed the two countries’ shared trade and investment interests and strengthened commercial cooperation. Minister Sidhu noted that Canada is diversifying its trade worldwide, and he promoted Canada as a trusted commercial and investment partner and supporter of increased global market access. Minister Al Zeyoudi invited Minister Sidhu to the UAE, with a Canadian business delegation, to further explore trade and investment opportunities.
While in Toronto, Minister Sidhu attended a round-table discussion hosted by the Canada-UAE Business Council. There, he met with members of the UAE business delegation and Canadian industry leaders and investors. The Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for Canadian companies looking to grow their presence in the UAE and for UAE businesses seeking investments in Canada. Minister Sidhu said he looks forward to welcoming Canadian and UAE investors in September at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, where they’ll connect and advance investment opportunities.
The conclusion of Canada-UAE CEPA negotiations, one of the fastest agreement negotiations that Canada has ever completed, showcases Canada’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the UAE and its trade diversification.
Quotes
“The successful conclusion of Canada-UAE CEPA negotiations reflects our shared economic ambition and will lead to new opportunities for Canadian and UAE businesses and workers. This agreement will help Canadian companies expand internationally and create good-paying jobs while promoting Canada as a reliable destination for trade and investment.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
“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. Bilateral non-oil trade has grown significantly in recent years, and this agreement will accelerate that trajectory by opening markets, reducing barriers, and creating a framework for our private sectors to collaborate at scale. Canada is a trusted partner of the UAE, and this CEPA reflects the confidence we have in one another.”
- His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE
Quick facts
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The UAE is Canada’s top export market in the Middle East.
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In 2025, Canada-UAE merchandise trade was valued at $3.5 billion.
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Canadian merchandise exports to the UAE rose nearly 10% year over year, following a 24% rise between 2023 and 2024, indicating a sustained upward trend in trade activity.
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Commercial services trade is an important element of the trade relationship, with bilateral commercial services trade valued at $445 million in 2024.
Related products
Associated links
- Canada-United Arab Emirates relations
- Doing business in the United Arab Emirates
- Prime Minister Carney meets with President of United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Prime Minister Carney secures new agreements with United Arab Emirates to expand trade and attract new investment into Canada
Contacts
Mujtaba Hussain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
819-230-8834
Mujtaba.Hussain@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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