# Calgary-Abu Dhabi Air Link Boosts Canada’s Gulf Trade

> Canada’s first direct flight to Abu Dhabi links oil capitals for trade growth.
- Title: Calgary-Abu Dhabi Air Link Boosts Canada’s Gulf Trade
- Summary: Canada’s first direct flight to Abu Dhabi links oil capitals for trade growth. Canada and UAE signed a $70 billion trade deal after Prime Minister Mark…
- Keywords: calgary, abu dhabi, etihad airways, mark carney, trade deal, oil production, alberta government, u.a.e, Financial Post
- Source: Financial Post — https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/calgary-abu-dhabi-air-link-canadas-gulf-pivot
- Author: Bloomberg News
- Published: 2026-10-30T19:49:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: calgary, abu dhabi, etihad airways, mark carney, trade deal, oil production, alberta government, u.a.e, money, business
## New Calgary-Abu Dhabi Flight
Etihad Airways began four-day weekly flights between Calgary and Abu Dhabi, connecting Canada’s oil capital with the UAE’s oil hub for the first time.
## Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Push
Prime Minister Mark Carney sought to diversify Canada’s trade away from the United States by strengthening ties with the UAE and other nations.
## Trade Deal Signed
Canada and the UAE formalized a new trade deal during Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Ottawa on October 27, 2026.
## UAE’s Investment Pledge
The UAE pledged $70 billion in investment to Canada following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit, aiming to double annual trade to $7 billion.
## Alberta’s Trade Office
Alberta opened a trade office in Abu Dhabi last year to strengthen economic ties with the UAE.
## UAE’s Economic Shift
The UAE left OPEC earlier this year to diversify its economy amid regional security challenges from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
## Investment Opportunities
Dubai’s DP World Ltd. is expanding a port in northern Canada, and the UAE’s state-owned oil company is exploring stakes in Alberta’s LNG Canada project.
## Key takeaway

Canada and UAE signed a $70 billion trade deal after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Abu Dhabi, aiming to double bilateral trade to $7 billion annually.