Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, confirmed on January 13 2026 that formal negotiations with the United Arab Emirates on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will begin next month. (reuters.com)
Although primarily billed as a trade and investment accord—Abu Dhabi has signalled up to USD 50 billion in energy and infrastructure investment—the prospective CEPA is expected to feature dedicated chapters on business-visitor access, intra-corporate transfers and recognition of professional qualifications.
![Canada and UAE to Launch Trade Pact Talks, Eye Labour and Talent Mobility Provisions]()
For Canadian LNG producers, easier short-term mobility for Emirati technical specialists could accelerate project timelines, while Canadian engineering firms stand to benefit from streamlined visa routes for staff rotating into UAE megaprojects.
The announcement comes as Ottawa seeks to diversify trade beyond the United States and to court Gulf capital. Canada’s last bilateral trade deal in the region was inked with Jordan in 2012, and mobility provisions have since evolved to include digital-nomad clauses and remote-work tax coordination.
Negotiators must still address sensitive issues such as mutual recognition of security clearances and limits on the length of stay for contract workers. Business councils on both sides are canvassing members for priority concerns ahead of the first negotiation round in Dubai.
Although primarily billed as a trade and investment accord—Abu Dhabi has signalled up to USD 50 billion in energy and infrastructure investment—the prospective CEPA is expected to feature dedicated chapters on business-visitor access, intra-corporate transfers and recognition of professional qualifications.
For Canadian LNG producers, easier short-term mobility for Emirati technical specialists could accelerate project timelines, while Canadian engineering firms stand to benefit from streamlined visa routes for staff rotating into UAE megaprojects.
The announcement comes as Ottawa seeks to diversify trade beyond the United States and to court Gulf capital. Canada’s last bilateral trade deal in the region was inked with Jordan in 2012, and mobility provisions have since evolved to include digital-nomad clauses and remote-work tax coordination.
Negotiators must still address sensitive issues such as mutual recognition of security clearances and limits on the length of stay for contract workers. Business councils on both sides are canvassing members for priority concerns ahead of the first negotiation round in Dubai.
Source: Reuters
