OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, marking his second overseas trip in just four weeks. This visit aims to strengthen the economic partnership between Canada and the UAE, focusing on sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.

Carney will meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other officials in Abu Dhabi. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the trip seeks to finalize investment negotiations that have been ongoing for over a decade. It also aims to enhance trade and private investment between the two nations.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will accompany Carney during this trip. In 2024, Canada’s trade with the UAE reached approximately $3.4 billion, with $2.6 billion in exports and $800 million in imports. Carney is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Canada-UAE Business Council on Friday.

This trip follows Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's recent opening of a new international office in Abu Dhabi, which serves as a base for provincial businesses looking to expand in the Middle East.

After his visit to the UAE, Carney will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. This will be his first appearance at the summit as Prime Minister. The G20 represents over 85 percent of the global economy. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will join Carney in Johannesburg.

Since taking office eight months ago, Carney has traveled 164,330 kilometers on 71 trips. This month alone, he has taken 10 flights, including a recent return from Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. His travel schedule has drawn some criticism from opposition parties. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed support for Carney's international engagements, stating he appreciates the Prime Minister's efforts to position Canada prominently on the global stage.