Alberta opens Abu Dhabi office to expand trade and global reach

Alberta is expanding its international presence with the launch of a new trade and investment office in Abu Dhabi, aimed at securing more global customers and fostering partnerships in key industries including energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

The Government of Alberta selected Abu Dhabi for its latest international office due to the city's growing prominence as a hub for global business and trade, as well as its strategic access to markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

The office will be based in the Canadian Embassy and is expected to be fully staffed by fall 2025.

“The shifting geopolitical climate and ongoing trade uncertainty make it more important now than ever to diversify our markets,” said Premier Danielle Smith.

“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 United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi in particular, is viewed as a natural fit for Alberta’s economic goals.

The UAE has emerged as a global leader in adopting technologies to enhance its oil and gas sector, while rapidly expanding in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics.

These priorities closely align with Alberta’s own ambitions in energy innovation and economic diversification.

Alberta has a long history of maintaining a global presence, with international offices supporting trade and economic efforts for more than 50 years.

The new Abu Dhabi location brings the province’s total to 18 offices worldwide, including in Japan, China, South Korea, the UK, Mexico, the US, India, and Singapore.

In 2024, Alberta exported $700.8 million in goods to the Middle East, with top categories including mechanical machinery and wheat.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia ranked as Alberta’s largest export destinations in the region, with $247.7 million and $145.2 million in exports respectively. Many goods sent to the UAE are re-exported, underlining its role as a regional distribution center.