H.E. Bin Touq meets with Alberta Premier to discuss economic partnerships in tourism, entrepreneurship, and the new economy

On the sidelines of the UAE–Canada Business Council roundtable held in Abu Dhabi

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a meeting with The Honorable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, on the sidelines of the UAE–Canada Business Council (CUBC) roundtable at ADIPEC 2025. The meeting discussed ways to advance economic partnership across sectors of mutual interest, including tourism, entrepreneurship, SMEs, the new economy, clean energy, food security, advanced manufacturing, and space.

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted that UAE–Canada relations exemplify a robust and advanced strategic economic partnership, guided by the wise leadership in both countries. He underscored the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Alberta, particularly in advanced sectors that are driving the transition toward a future-focused economy. H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that both countries share common ambitions and strategies to expand and invest in these vital industries.

H.E. further noted that the meeting represents an important step toward identifying new opportunities and broadening the scope of cooperation, especially in key economic sectors. H.E. Bin Touq stressed that economic ties between the two countries continue to grow, with the UAE serving as a major economic partner for Canada in the region, thanks to its strategic location, while Canada remains a promising market for the UAE in North America.

The two sides discussed ways to broaden the scope of their economic cooperation and strengthen channels of communication at the private sector level. This would help create new avenues for collaboration, especially given the wide range of promising opportunities available in both markets. They also explored how additional incentives and facilitation measures could support exporters and importers on both sides, contributing to long-term economic growth and sustainability.

UAE–Canada Business Council Roundtable

During his participation in the UAE–Canada Business Council roundtable, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the promising economic opportunities available in both the UAE and Alberta across sectors such as tourism, aviation, technology, clean-energy infrastructure, advanced agricultural technologies, food security, and hydrogen. He emphasized the importance of these sectors in deepening bilateral economic cooperation and driving innovation and sustainability in both countries.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism also highlighted the comprehensive development of the UAE’s economic legislative framework and its role in enhancing the country’s business competitiveness and strengthening its regional and global leadership. He noted the introduction and modernization of key laws governing cooperatives, commercial transactions, the commercial registry, family businesses, and e-commerce, allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies and streamlining business setup procedures. He added that the UAE continues to expand its global outlook by forging strategic international partnerships, supported by its prime geographic location as a global hub for trade, business, and logistics.

In this context, he invited the Canadian business community to take advantage of the UAE’s highly competitive economic environment and the wide range of opportunities it offers, encouraging them to use the UAE as a strategic gateway for expansion into the Middle East and North Africa. He noted that the number of Canadian commercial licenses operating in the UAE increased significantly, reaching 14,676 by the end of July 2025, compared to 12,321 at the end of July 2024 - an impressive growth of 19.11 per cent.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Exploration, Development, and Production at ADNOC and Co-Chair of the UAE–Canada Business Council, said: “The UAE–Canada Business Council serves as an effective platform for strengthening bilateral partnerships and advancing cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, and innovation—areas that align with both countries’ aspirations for a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy. We remain committed to developing joint projects that support economic growth and open new avenues for investment between the UAE and Canada.”