The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a Canadian senior-level business delegation from January 7 to 14, 2026.
During the visit, Minister Sidhu will meet with government officials and business leaders to strengthen Canada’s economic partnerships in the Gulf region. The minister will focus on opening new markets for Canadian businesses, deepening commercial ties and advancing trade diversification. He will also participate in industry events and ongoing trade and investment agreement discussions, as well as tour locations that highlight successful projects and partnerships.
Trade missions play a strategic role in helping Canada pursue its goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next ten years. They help secure new agreements, deepen economic ties, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and position the country as a leading destination for innovation and investment. They also help build stronger relationships and create jobs in Canada across important sectors, such as clean technology, energy, infrastructure, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology and artificial intelligence.
Quick facts
In November 2025, Canada and the UAE signed a FIPA and announced their intention to launch negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Qatar is the third-largest economy in the Gulf region, offering significant business opportunities for Canadian companies.
In 2024, Canada-Qatar merchandise trade was valued at $325.4 million, comprising $159.2 million in exports from Canada and $166.2 million in imports.
In November 2025, Canada removed the visa requirement for Qatari citizens and introduced electronic travel authorization eligibility for air travel to facilitate business and leisure travel.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia was Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in the Middle East.
In 2024, Canada-Saudi Arabia merchandise trade was valued at $4.1 billion, comprising $2 billion in exports from Canada and $2.1 billion in imports.
In November 2025, Canada and Saudi Arabia announced the launch of negotiations toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) between the two countries.
The UAE is Canada’s top export market in the Middle East and a global investment hub.
In 2024, Canada-UAE merchandise trade was valued at $3.4 billion, comprising $2.6 billion in exports from Canada and $801.8 million in imports.
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