Overview
- Canadian and Emirati ministers formally signed the CEPA on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at a ceremony on Parliament Hill witnessed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.
- The Canadian government says the pact will cut or eliminate tariffs on more than 99 percent of current Canadian exports to the UAE and is expected to enter into force in 2027 after Parliament ratifies it.
- The visit also produced defence and security cooperation agreements covering military education, joint exercises, cybersecurity and a joint military committee, and launched talks on an extradition treaty and mutual legal assistance.
- Officials said the UAE has pledged major investment in Canada, with reported figures ranging from about C$50 billion to C$70 billion and a C$21.1-billion commercial investment framework announced by partnering firms.
- Human-rights groups raised objections to deeper ties with the UAE over reports of systemic rights abuses and alleged regional involvement, creating a domestic debate as Ottawa pursues trade diversification away from the United States.