We are proud of the over 35 years of strong relations that the United Arab Emirates and Canada have established with each other. Our bilateral relations were originally founded upon solid commercial ties, and mutually complimentary value systems. However, we have been proud to witness the dramatic increase in trade activity, and the flourishing of our relations in all spheres over the years.  

When the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Canada was first established in 1999, the total bilateral trade between our two countries stood at 365 million dollars, while by 2008, it had increased to over 1.7 billion dollars. This represents a growth rate of more than 355% over eight years.

In fact, the UAE is now Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa region, and Canada’s 19th largest export partner in the world.  To further develop our strong trade relations, the UAE Minister of Economy, His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Stockwell Day signed a bilateral agreement in March 2009 to further enhance economic cooperation, trade and investment.

The United Arab Emirates and Canada share an active bilateral relationship from close political cooperation to the exchange of students. We also work actively coordinating reciprocal visits between our two countries in all areas of governance, from border service agencies to educational exchanges.

Furthermore, we have been pleased with the dramatic passenger and cargo demands on both our carriers, Etihad Airways & Emirates Airlines, which fly out of the Toronto Pearson International Airport, and we look forward to expanding the current UAE-Canadian Air Services Agreement to allow for more frequent flights and routings between our two countries in the near future.