Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, said total bilateral direct investment between the UAE and Canada reached AED 44.4 billion, according to 2025 figures. He also reported an 18.4 per cent increase in non-oil trade between the two countries in the first half of 2026, bringing its value to AED 7.46 billion.

Speaking to this newspaper on Sunday, November 1, Al Zeyoudi said trade and investment ties between the UAE and Canada were expanding. He identified agriculture and food industries, clean energy, financial services, logistics and technology as key areas of economic cooperation.

According to figures provided by the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, non-oil trade between the two countries reached AED 7.46 billion, equivalent to about $2.03 billion, in the first six months of 2026, up 18.4 per cent from the same period a year earlier.

Al Zeyoudi said UAE-Canada non-oil trade also grew by 21 per cent year on year in 2025, reaching AED 15.4 billion, equivalent to about $4.2 billion.

UAE Investment in Canada Reaches AED24 Billion

Al Zeyoudi said that, according to 2025 figures, total UAE direct investment in Canada had reached AED24 billion, equivalent to about $6.54 billion.

These investments span sectors including oil and gas, aviation, real estate, ports, logistics, clean energy, chemicals and plastics.

Meanwhile, total Canadian direct investment in the UAE reached AED20.4 billion, equivalent to about $5.55 billion, mainly across manufacturing, retail and real estate.

According to the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, more than 200 Canadian companies currently operate in the country.

UAE Re-Exports to Canada Surge 67.4%

Al Zeyoudi also said the UAE’s non-oil exports to Canada rose 11% year on year in 2025 to approximately AED 2.3 billion.

He added that exports of jewellery, precious metal products, steel structures and perfumes were key drivers of the growth.

During the same period, the value of UAE re-exports to Canada increased by 67.4% to AED 2.38 billion, which Al Zeyoudi said reflected growing demand for value-added goods sourced from the UAE.

Canada’s main exports to the UAE include vehicles and automotive parts, industrial machinery and equipment, grains, aircraft parts, aviation equipment, and wood and paper products.

Meanwhile, iron and steel, aluminium, refined petroleum products, plastics, petrochemicals, chemicals and jewellery are among the UAE’s leading exports to Canada.

What Are the Benefits of the New UAE-Canada Trade Agreement?

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries could reduce or eliminate customs duties on most categories of goods and improve exporters’ access to both markets.

The UAE and Canada signed the agreement on October 27, 2026. It is the UAE’s first Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with a G7 country.

Al Zeyoudi described Canada as an important partner in expanding the UAE’s foreign trade, citing its geographical position, access to North American markets, extensive natural resources, and strengths in technology and agriculture.

He also stressed that the UAE’s strategic location and extensive links to global markets offer Canadian companies opportunities to expand their operations across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

According to Al Zeyoudi, in addition to reducing trade barriers, the new agreement could increase investment in key sectors, strengthen private-sector cooperation and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Investment Protection Agreement in Force Since May 19

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade also highlighted the agreement on the promotion and protection of foreign investment between the two countries, which was signed in November 2025 and entered into force on May 19, 2026.

The agreement aims to protect investors in both countries, enhance the transparency and stability of foreign investments, reduce risk and establish mechanisms for resolving investment disputes.

However, the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has yet to enter into force, with implementation subject to the completion of ratification procedures in both countries.

Al Zeyoudi said that once the agreement takes effect, exporters and companies in both countries will benefit from streamlined customs procedures, lower tariffs, improved market access and more resilient supply chains.