Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has departed on a 10-day trade and investment mission to the Middle East, where she will highlight Alberta’s leadership in responsible energy production, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The trip, spanning Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 27 to November 5, aims to position Alberta as a top destination for global investment and collaboration.
Strengthening Global Energy and Investment Partnerships
While in Saudi Arabia, Premier Smith will hold meetings with government officials, energy executives, and sovereign wealth fund managers, including representatives from Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company. Discussions will focus on Alberta’s strengths in clean energy innovation, emissions reduction technologies, and its balanced approach to energy security and reliability.
Smith is expected to underscore how Alberta’s energy expertise — spanning traditional oil and gas to emerging renewables and hydrogen — can contribute to the global energy transition. In addition to the energy sector, she will also promote Alberta’s investment opportunities in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Showcasing Alberta at ADIPEC 2025
The Premier will then travel to the United Arab Emirates to join Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, and a delegation of Alberta companies at ADIPEC 2025, the world’s largest petroleum exhibition and conference. Alberta’s participation will reinforce the province’s reputation as a reliable global energy partner and highlight opportunities for private-sector collaboration in technology and clean innovation.
As part of her visit, Premier Smith will attend the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi reception, where she will formally announce the opening of Alberta’s new international trade office in Abu Dhabi. The new office will serve as a hub to deepen Alberta’s commercial ties in the Gulf region and support the growth of trade and investment partnerships.
Building Bridges with the Middle East
“Alberta and our partners in the Middle East share a spirit of ambition and innovation,” said Premier Smith before departing. “We’ve been working to deepen engagement across the region and are taking the next step by opening our new international office in Abu Dhabi. This mission is about building bridges and showcasing everything Alberta has to offer. When it comes to Alberta, there truly is power in partnership.”
High-Level Engagements and Global Dialogue
During the mission, Premier Smith will take part in several roundtables and leadership sessions with government leaders, business executives, and energy experts. Key events include:
- OPEC Leadership Roundtable: Collaboration, Diversification, and Innovation for Global Oil Market Stability
- Energy Talk Fireside Chat: Canada’s Role in Reliable and Responsible Energy
- ADIPEC Ministerial Leadership Roundtable: Strengthening Energy Security and Resilience
- ADIPEC Leadership Roundtable: Navigating Volatility and Supply Risks in Natural Gas and LNG
- Canada-UAE Business Council Roundtable
The Premier will also meet with investors and policymakers to explore partnerships in food security, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and health innovation — areas where Alberta aims to expand its global presence.
Transparency and Accountability
The government confirmed that mission expenses will be made public through Alberta’s travel and expense disclosure system following the trip.
Through this mission, Premier Smith seeks to strengthen Alberta’s profile on the world stage, demonstrating that the province’s expertise in energy, innovation, and sustainable development can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global industry and trade.
