Alberta minister heads to UAE to pitch energy sector at world's largest petroleum conference

Alberta's trade minister will depart Calgary on Sunday for a 10-day mission to the United Arab Emirates, joining a delegation of Alberta companies at the world's largest energy industry event as the province looks to deepen economic ties with its top Middle Eastern trading partner.

The Government of Alberta said in a news release dated Oct. 23 that Minister Schow will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Oct. 26 to Nov. 5 to attend the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, known as ADIPEC 2026. The minister will hold meetings with government and industry leaders in both cities before joining Alberta-related events at the conference beginning Nov. 1.

Alberta and the UAE recorded total bilateral trade of $490 million in 2025, making the UAE Alberta's largest trading partner in the Middle East and its 11th-largest export destination overall. Alberta exported more than $414 million in goods to the UAE that year, led by canola at $82 million, scientific instruments at $65.4 million and temperature-treatment machinery at $48.6 million. Alberta imported $75.2 million from the UAE, primarily iron and steel structures at $28.7 million and oil and gas casing and tubing at $12.7 million.

"Alberta's government is focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities that support economic growth and job creation at home," the release quoted the minister as saying. "The UAE is an important market for Alberta businesses looking to diversify and scale internationally. This mission will help strengthen our economic partnership with the Middle East and open new doors for Alberta companies in a rapidly evolving global economy."

The trip coincides with the launch of Etihad Airways' inaugural direct service between Calgary and Abu Dhabi. The release said demand for the route was established through the economic relationship Alberta has built with the UAE, and that Alberta-based companies will for the first time be able to fly direct between the two cities.

Schow is scheduled to attend the ADIPEC Alberta Welcome Dinner on Nov. 1, followed by three days of conference sessions and meetings before departing Abu Dhabi on Nov. 5. The itinerary is subject to change, according to the release.

Mission expenses will be posted on the Alberta government's travel and expense disclosure page.