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9/30/25, 3:56 PM UAE and Alberta strengthen economic ties at Calgary forum - Toronto Statesman
partner in innovation-led industries. He described Alberta as a center for clean technology and
advanced industrial capabilities.

The UAE minister added that the Investopia platform is a key enabler for identifying investment

opportunities and launching projects that align with both countries’ growth agendas. Premier Smith
highlighted Alberta’s strengths in energy, agriculture and innovation, noting that the province offers a

stable regulatory environment and diversified economy. She pointed to Alberta’s leadership in
emissions-reduction technologies and its expanding capabilities in food production and agritech as

areas of potential interest for Emirati investors.

Business council meeting outlines trade facilitation goals

The forum also featured a session of the UAE–Canada Business Council, bringing together senior

executives and policymakers to discuss trade facilitation, cross-border investments and the potential for
public-private partnerships. The council reviewed recent progress in bilateral trade relations and

outlined frameworks to support long-term business collaboration. According to UAE Ministry of
Economy data, the number of Canadian businesses operating in the UAE has grown steadily, with

14,719 Canadian business licenses recorded as of August 2025. This represents an increase of nearly 19
percent compared to the previous year, reflecting rising interest among Canadian firms in the UAE

market. Alberta,

Canada’s fourth-largest province by population and GDP, has been strengthening ties with the UAE

through participation in major trade events such as ADIPEC and Gulfood. In recent years, the province
has undertaken trade missions to the Gulf region aimed at boosting exports and attracting foreign

direct investment, particularly in energy, agri-food, and technology. The Investopia Global Alberta
forum, an extension of the UAE-led Investopia initiative, marks the first time the platform has been

hosted in North America. The event brought together more than 300 participants, including
government officials, institutional investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries, to explore

collaborative opportunities in high-growth sectors.

Regulatory alignment discussed for smoother market access

The UAE is one of Canada’s largest trading partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade exceeding

CAD 2 billion in 2024. Alberta accounts for a substantial share of Canadian exports to the UAE,
particularly in agri-food products, machinery, and chemicals. The UAE continues to position itself as a

global hub for innovation and investment, supported by strategic partnerships with key international
markets. Alberta’s growing economic engagement with the UAE reflects the province’s efforts to

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