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Premier Danielle Smith provides remarks at the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi/Canada reception.

Premier Danielle Smith announced the new office to partners and investors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during her visit to Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025. Premier Smith highlighted opportunities in energy, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.

“Alberta isn’t waiting for opportunity; we’re creating it. By opening our office in Abu Dhabi, we’re positioning Alberta at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic regions for energy, innovation and investment. This new office will help unlock game-changing partnerships, showcase Alberta’s world-class expertise, and strengthen our province’s role as a leader in global energy security and economic growth.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

Abu Dhabi was selected for its role as a gateway to global trade and investment, and as the Middle East’s centre for energy, logistics and innovation. The office will drive partnerships that advance technology in traditional and emerging sectors, from oil and gas developments to artificial intelligence, data analytics, agriculture, manufacturing and more. A primary focus of the new office will be to support Alberta companies looking to break into new markets across the Middle East and North Africa while attracting investment to fuel growth at home.

The office will be located in the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Alberta has maintained offices abroad for more than 50 years and has offices in key markets like Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the United States, India and Singapore. The addition of the Abu Dhabi office will bring the total number of Alberta International Offices to 18.

Quick facts

  • Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a key centre for business, investment and trade in the Middle East, with many international firms using the UAE as a hub for their operations across the region.
  • 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 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.
  • Middle East-based companies and sovereign wealth funds offer significant pools of capital for potential investment into Alberta, particularly in energy, innovation and logistics.

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