Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Alberta’s government has chosen Abu Dhabi for its newest international office due to its status as a regional and global hub for business, investment and trade, as well as its ability to connect Alberta to accelerating opportunities in the Middle East and emerging markets in North Africa.
The United Arab Emirates is a global leader in implementing new and emerging technology to enhance its oil and gas developments, while also aggressively growing new economic drivers, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and more. This makes it a natural partner for Alberta across many sectors.
“Given the shifting geopolitical climate and ongoing trade uncertainty, it is more important now than ever to diversify our markets around the globe. We are amplifying our efforts to promote Alberta as an international partner of choice, tell our incredible story and deepen our relationships in this important region so that we can make even more inroads that will keep our province on an upward trajectory of economic growth and prosperity that churns out jobs for generations of Albertans.”
The office will be collocated with the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Alberta’s government is beginning recruitment efforts for the office, with plans to have the office fully staffed by fall 2025.
Alberta has maintained offices abroad for more than 50 years and currently has 17 offices in key markets like Japan, China (mainland office and Taiwan), South Korea, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the United States, India, Singapore and now, the Middle East.
Staff in Alberta’s international offices provide business-matching services, market intelligence and trade and investment support to help facilitate cultural and academic ties and advance partnerships and face-to-face connections that are crucial to building the confidence and credibility of Alberta companies interested in doing business in international markets. The offices also play a key role in advocating for Alberta’s interests with regional decision makers and government officials.
Quick facts
- Abu Dhabi’s economy experienced record growth in 2023, and its economy has continued to expand throughout 2024, becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East.
- Alberta’s exports to the Middle East totalled $700.8 million in 2024.
- Top exports to the Middle East included manufactured products (mechanical machinery/appliances, $400.1 million) and agriculture and agri-food (primarily wheat, $257.9 million).
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are ranked as the first and second largest export markets for Alberta companies in the Middle East respectively.
- In 2024, Alberta exported $247.7 million worth of goods to the UAE.
- The UAE is experiencing dramatic economic growth. Many goods exported to the UAE are re-exported, as the country is a major regional distribution center.
- In 2024, Alberta exported $145.2 million worth of goods to Saudi Arabia.
- In 2024, Alberta exported $247.7 million worth of goods to the UAE.
- Middle East-based companies, sovereign wealth funds and familial wealth offer significant pools of capital for potential investment into Alberta, particularly in energy, innovation and logistics.
Related information
- Alberta’s international offices