High-level representatives from Dubai Chambers and the Canadian province of Ontario convened in the UAE recently to solidify economic cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment within the swiftly evolving agribusiness and food technology sectors. The January 31, 2026, meeting signals a growing commitment from both jurisdictions to integrate their economies and leverage mutual strengths in innovation and market access.
The official delegation from Ontario, led by the Honourable Trevor Jones, the provincial Minister of Agriculture, was received by senior leadership from Dubai Chambers, including Chairman H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori and President and CEO H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah. Discussions centered on creating mechanisms to facilitate growth for businesses from both sides, enabling them to penetrate their respective markets more effectively while exploring opportunities for joint ventures and long-term investments.
Strategic Alignment in Sustainable Commerce
The collaborative spirit builds upon already strong commercial ties. Data from 2024 shows that non-oil trade volume between Dubai and Canada reached significant heights, totaling AED 10.2 billion. Furthermore, the Canadian business presence in Dubai is robust and expanding. By the end of 2025, the total number of active Canadian companies registered as members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce had reached 4,673, with 1,042 new companies joining that year alone.
H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori emphasized the proactive strategy underpinning the engagement. “We are keenly interested in developing economic relationships based on effective, long-term partnerships with nations worldwide,” he stated. This effort aligns directly with the emirate’s established goal of strengthening its standing as a leading international center for commerce and business. He added that the evolving economic relationship between Dubai and Canada is a prime example of successful cooperation, rooted in shared economic values and a joint pursuit of diversification and sustainability.
Tapping Into Agri-Food Opportunities
A key agenda item involved exploring avenues that would streamline market entry for Ontario’s expansive agri-food bounty into Dubai and the neighboring regional markets. Simultaneously, the discussions focused on attracting inbound Canadian capital intended for strategic investments within Dubai’s core economic sectors.
The focus on agribusiness and food technology is critical. Ontario is a major agricultural producer, while Dubai is positioned as a pivotal regional gateway and a significant hub for innovative logistics and supply chain management. By aligning these strengths, both regions stand to gain competitive advantages in an increasingly vital global industry.
Commitment to deepening cooperation was demonstrated in 2025 with the establishment of the Dubai International Chamber’s representative office in Toronto. This strategic outpost aims to attract further Canadian investment into the UAE while assisting Dubai-based enterprises in their expansion efforts into the affluent Canadian market.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Economic Horizons
The recent meeting lays the groundwork for concrete initiatives aimed at broadening economic cooperation beyond traditional sectors. Both parties signaled a commitment to identifying new areas that serve mutual interests and enhance bilateral trade flows in the coming years.
For Canadian firms, particularly those operating in sustainable food production, cold chain logistics, and agricultural innovation, these dialogues suggest increasing ease of access and accelerated business opportunities within the dynamic Middle East market. Readers interested in exploring these market dynamics can consult resources from the Dubai Chambers for updated trade advisories and investment opportunities. The ongoing collaboration is a powerful indicator that the successful partnership between Dubai and Canada is poised to enter a new and robust phase focused on sustainable, shared economic growth.