January 5, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a Canadian senior-level business delegation from January 7 to 14, 2026.

During the visit, Minister Sidhu will meet with government officials and business leaders to strengthen Canada’s economic partnerships in the Gulf region. The minister will focus on opening new markets for Canadian businesses, deepening commercial ties and advancing trade diversification. He will also participate in industry events and ongoing trade and investment agreement discussions, as well as tour locations that highlight successful projects and partnerships.

Trade missions play a strategic role in helping Canada pursue its goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next ten years. They help secure new agreements, deepen economic ties, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and position the country as a leading destination for innovation and investment. They also help build stronger relationships and create jobs in Canada across important sectors, such as clean technology, energy, infrastructure, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology and artificial intelligence.