Canadian AI Delegation Lands in UAE for Strategic Trade Mission
Thirteen innovative Canadian artificial intelligence companies have arrived in the United Arab Emirates this week as part of a significant government-led trade mission. This strategic initiative aims to cultivate new business relationships and secure commercial opportunities while Canada actively expands its international trade partnerships in the technology sector.
Government-Led Initiative to Boost AI Collaboration
The Canadian delegation, organized and supported by federal authorities, represents a concrete effort to advance Canada's priorities in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, emphasized the mission's importance in a recent statement. "By strengthening our collaboration with the UAE, we are turning agreements into tangible results for the Canadian economy while positioning Canada as a global leader in AI and digital infrastructure," Lightbound declared.
The trade mission coincides with upcoming negotiations between Canada and the UAE on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. These discussions build upon a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025 that specifically promised enhanced cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies between the two nations.
Scale AI Leads Diverse Delegation
The Canadian contingent is being led by Scale AI, the federally supported innovation cluster that invests in companies developing and implementing artificial intelligence solutions. In addition to the thirteen participating companies, six prominent business groups are joining the mission to engage in various events and meetings throughout the week.
Key activities include participation in the prestigious 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, which will host approximately thirty-five heads of state from around the world. Julien Billot, Chief Executive Officer of Scale AI, clarified the mission's objectives. "The objective of this mission is clear: to translate the agreements signed by our two governments into tangible business outcomes," Billot stated.
Carefully Selected Companies with Real-World Applications
The thirteen Canadian companies were chosen from approximately two hundred applicants through a rigorous selection process. These organizations were specifically selected for their practical AI applications that can assist governments with critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, emergency response protocols, and public safety management.
Jean Le Bouthillier, Founder and CEO of Quebec City-based Qohash Inc., an AI-driven data security company, expressed confidence in his company's readiness for international expansion. "Our platform is mature and ready for export," Le Bouthillier affirmed, adding that he anticipates establishing long-term partnerships with UAE entities during the mission.
Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Focus
Among the participating companies is Ottawa-based Bluwave-AI Inc., which develops artificial intelligence software to optimize renewable energy systems. Devashish Paul, Founder and CEO of Bluwave-AI, outlined his company's objectives for the trade mission. "We've found that there is a lot of interest for Canadian-made AI for energy grids overseas," Paul noted, explaining that his company aims to sign pilot agreements with UAE utility providers, grid operators, and data centre managers.
Bluwave-AI already maintains customers in the UAE, including Dubai Taxi Corporation, which utilizes the company's AI solutions for its fleet of electric taxis. The company also serves clients in India, demonstrating its established international presence.
Reducing Barriers for Canadian Businesses
Paul expressed hope that government officials from both countries would establish agreements to streamline bureaucratic processes for Canadian businesses seeking to expand into the UAE market. "So we can scale up quickly, whether it's a pilot project or a quick integration project, and jump from there," Paul emphasized regarding the importance of reducing administrative barriers.
Strategic International Partnerships
Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister of AI and Digital Innovation, has identified deepening partnerships with key allies as a primary objective for 2026. These strategic partners include Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. "We're going to partner with lots of like-minded countries, like we're doing in the EU and the UAE, to attract investment for Canada," Solomon recently stated. "This is a Canadian strategy for Canadians by Canadians."
The trade mission represents a significant step in Canada's broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence innovation while simultaneously expanding international trade relationships in the technology sector. As negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership between Canada and the UAE commence this month, this delegation of Canadian AI companies stands at the forefront of what could become a substantial bilateral technology collaboration.
