Smith announces opening of Abu Dhabi office to boost trade

ECHO STAFF

Alberta has opened a new international office in Abu Dhabi to strengthen trade and investment ties in one of the world’s most dynamic energy regions.

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

Premier Danielle Smith announced the office during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025. She said it will help Alberta companies access markets across the Middle East and North Africa while attracting investment to support growth at home.

“By opening our office in Abu Dhabi, we’re positioning Alberta at the heart of a region that leads in energy, innovation and investment,” Smith said.

The office, located in the Canadian Embassy, will focus on partnerships in energy, agriculture, manufacturing and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. Abu Dhabi was chosen as a gateway to global trade and a hub for energy, logistics and technology.

Alberta has maintained international offices for more than 50 years, including in Japan, China, South Korea, the U.K., Mexico, the U.S., India and Singapore. The Abu Dhabi office is the 18th worldwide.

Quick facts:

• Alberta’s exports to the Middle East reached $700.8 million in 2024.

• Top exports: manufactured goods ($400.1M) and wheat ($257.9M).

• The UAE and Saudi Arabia are Alberta’s largest Middle East markets.