Premier Danielle Smith provides remarks at the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi..--HANDOUT PHOTO
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During her visit to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates to participate in a global petroleum exhibition, Premier Danielle Smith announced the opening of Alberta’s International Office, which she says will unlock “game-changing” global trade deals.
Smith made the announcement at the Canadian Business Council in Abu Dhabi during her visit to the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, known as the world’s largest energy industry event.
The International Office is located in the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and will serve as a “home base” for trade and business opportunities in energy, AI, agriculture and other sectors with growing Middle Eastern markets.
“Alberta isn’t waiting for opportunity; we’re creating it,” said Smith. “By opening our office in Abu Dhabi, we’re positioning Alberta at the heart of one of the worlds’ most dynamic regions for energy, innovation and investment.”
A primary focus of the new office will be to support Alberta companies looking to branch into new markets across the Middle East and North Africa.
The government says it selected Abu Dhabi for its role as a gateway to global trade and investment.
“The office will drive partnerships that advance technology in traditional and emerging sectors, from oil and gas developments to artificial intelligence, data analytics, agriculture, manufacturing and more,” reads a release.
The province joins several international firms to establish a footprint in Abu Dhabi, a key centre for business in the region.
“This new office will help unlock game-changing partnerships, showcase Alberta’s world-class expertise and strengthen our province’s role as a leader in global energy and security and economic growth,” said Smith
According to the government, Alberta exported more than $247 million worth of goods to the United Arab Emirates and $145 million to Saudi Arabia in 2024, ranking as the first and second largest Middle Eastern export markets for the province.
In total, the province exported more than $700 million to regions in the Middle East last year.
Smith is expected to travel back to Alberta today. A full list of travel expenses will be posted on the province’s travel and expense disclosure webpage.
