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Canada and UAE Sign Exploratory AI Pact Focused on Data Centres and Investment

The non-binding deal frames investment talks with an emphasis on data sovereignty.

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon gives remarks during the All In AI conference in Montreal on Thursday, Sept., 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
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Evan Solomon, Canada's first AI Minister, said regulations were at the heart of building trust in the technology. Victor Besa / The National

Overview

  • Federal AI Minister Evan Solomon and UAE Investment Minister Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi signed the memorandum of understanding on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
  • The agreement explores collaboration in digital infrastructure, prioritizing Canadian data centres and AI projects, with provisions to exchange technical expertise and support responsible AI development.
  • Ottawa is courting Emirati capital from firms and sovereign funds including MGX, G42, Mubadala and ADQ to build or co-invest in Canadian infrastructure, as Canadian companies such as Cohere, OpenText, Telus Digital and BlackBerry expand regional ties.
  • Canada is stressing sovereign control over data and cloud services, with Solomon acknowledging U.S.-flagged security questions about G42 and saying the government’s “eyes are wide open.”
  • The pact fits a broader push to deepen economic links—two-way trade totals about C$3.4 billion—as Solomon met senior UAE officials at GITEX and said Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit the region to advance ties.