News Release
Direct UAE flights boost investment and tourism
Big news for investment and tourism in Alberta: Etihad Airways is launching direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, expanding Alberta’s position as a global hub.
Beginning Nov. 3, 2026, Etihad will operate the service four times per week, improving access for visitors, investors and business travellers and opening new commercial opportunities for Alberta companies in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions and the Middle East.
The announcement reflects the growing economic relationship between Alberta and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past two years, Alberta’s government has led several missions to the UAE, opened a new office in Abu Dhabi and strengthened connections with ministers, officials and the business community to support long-term growth in investment and tourism.
“Alberta and the United Arab Emirates share a strong and growing partnership built on trade and tourism, with approximately $303 million in trade in 2024. I have met with His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, here in Canada and the UAE, as well as UAE officials and the business community. I appreciate the commitment it has taken from all parties to build this relationship. Our recent trade missions are translating into commercial momentum, and Etihad’s decision to launch service to Alberta reflects confidence in our market and recognition of the value our province offers. This announcement helps position Alberta as a hub for global travel and commerce and is exactly the kind of progress our missions were designed to deliver.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Just months ago, Alberta’s government celebrated the opening of its office in Abu Dhabi. As the Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a major centre for business and investment and serves as a regional hub for firms operating across the Middle East. The UAE is ranked as the largest export market for Alberta companies in the region.
“Increasingly, Alberta is building relationships around the globe that are having a direct impact on the strength and success of our economy. This is a major step forward in Alberta’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates, opening doors for more business that benefits both jurisdictions.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Beyond trade, this new pathway will strengthen connections between our regions, making it easier for business and leisure visitors from the Middle East and beyond to reach Alberta’s beautiful landscapes and major attractions year-round, bringing more visitors and increased spending to the province.
“This new direct route between Calgary and Abu Dhabi strengthens Calgary’s role as an international hub, making it easier for more visitors to discover Alberta’s unique landscapes and warm hospitality. It reinforces Alberta’s position as one of Canada’s leading travel destinations, creates jobs, supports local businesses and grows the visitor economy.”
Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and a major global carrier operating out of Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. Adding Calgary to its long-haul network reflects the airline’s plan to deepen its presence in North America and strengthens Alberta’s direct access to global destinations through Abu Dhabi’s extensive connections across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“The launch of our Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is both a significant and historic step in Etihad’s global expansion. By creating the only nonstop link between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment, while giving travellers direct access to two distinctive and globally important destinations. This is an exciting announcement for us, bringing together two remarkable places. For Canadian travellers, it opens direct access to Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and year-round experiences, while guests from the UAE and across our network gain seamless access to Calgary and the natural beauty of Western Canada. It is a route designed to stimulate two-way tourism and deepen ties between our regions.”
Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways
“Calgary Airports is proud to partner with Etihad Airways to link two great cities. This direct route is key to connecting our region’s leisure and business travellers to important locations in the Middle East, as well as a wealth of linked destinations in Africa, Asia and around the world.”
Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO, Calgary Airports.
With increased access, the establishment of Alberta’s Abu Dhabi office, and continued missions to the region, Alberta’s government is confident its trade relationship with the Middle East will continue to grow.
Quick facts
The Middle East is a priority market for expanding Alberta’s trade and investment ties, not only in the oil and gas sector; carbon capture, utilization and storage; and hydrogen and emission reductions, but also in agriculture and agri-food, data centres and life sciences.
In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the United Arab Emirates were $248 million and consisted primarily of canola seed, machines and mechanical appliances, wheat and lentils.
The UAE serves as a regional gateway, with more than 40 per cent of goods exported to the country re-exported to other markets in the region.
In 2024, Alberta imported about $55.4 million in goods from the United Arab Emirates, supporting strong two-way trade flows.
Pinoy Edmonton News 