CACMR President Highlights Strategic Canadian Engagement in the Middle East During Minister Sidhu’s Gulf Mission
January 14, 2026 — Ottawa, Ontario — The Canada Arab Congress on MENA Relations (CACMR) proudly underscores the vital role played by its President, Mr. Abdullatif Al-Shaikh, in advancing Canada-Middle East economic and commercial ties alongside The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, during his high-impact mission to the Middle East from January 7 to 14, 2026.
During this strategic visit, Minister Sidhu led a senior Canadian business delegation to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with a focused mandate to strengthen trade partnerships, deepen market access, and accelerate the diversification of Canada’s global economic relationships.
Strengthening Canada-Qatar Economic Relations
At the outset of the mission in Doha, Qatar, the Minister engaged with key Qatari counterparts, including discussions with the Qatar Investment Authority and co-hosting a Canada-Qatar trade and investment roundtable. These engagements resulted in setting the groundwork for a Canada-Qatar business council that will bring together chambers of commerce from both nations to expand commercial cooperation in sectors such as clean tech, infrastructure, and advanced industries.
Expanding Commercial Ties in Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, the Minister and delegation participated in a series of high-level dialogues that showcased Canadian expertise across sectors including clean technology, energy, ICT, and advanced manufacturing. Notable commercial agreements were witnessed between Canadian institutions and Saudi partners, including technology and education collaborations — demonstrating promising long-term economic engagement.
These discussions also underscored opportunities for joint ventures aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, enriching bilateral partnerships and supporting the global competitiveness of Canadian businesses.
Driving Innovation and Investment in the UAE
The final leg of the mission in the United Arab Emirates marked significant commercial momentum. Minister Sidhu’s meetings with Emirati government officials and private-sector leaders reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to trade diversification and innovation-led growth. Highlights from the UAE leg included:
Signing of commercial contracts — such as the agreement between a Canadian AI-technology firm and a leading UAE legal services provider.
Expansion of Canadian business presence — including new offices and regional operations announced by National Bank of Canada, Novisto, and manufacturing entities.
Progress toward negotiated trade frameworks, building on the Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement discussions.
These developments highlight the UAE’s role as a cornerstone of Canada’s trade diversification strategy and a key hub for Canadian innovation, from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to energy and infrastructure.
CACMR’s Leadership Role in Regional Economic Collaboration
Throughout Minister Sidhu’s mission, the CACMR President actively engaged with Canadian and Middle East stakeholders to reinforce the organization’s commitment to economic collaboration, mutual prosperity, and strengthened people-to-people links between Canada and the MENA region.
By participating in key dialogues and business forums, CACMR continues to support Canadian industry leaders in navigating global markets and fostering partnerships that align with long-term strategic interests — from trade diversification to sustainable investment across advanced sectors.
Looking Ahead: Continued Momentum
Minister Sidhu’s trip from January 7 to January 14, 2026, signals a new chapter in Canada’s Gulf engagement, built on economic diplomacy, innovation exchange, and stronger commercial ties. CACMR’s President remains committed to furthering these objectives and advancing Canada-MENA relations in collaboration with government, business, and international partners.
