Viral moment: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed clicks candid photo of Canadian PM in Abu Dhabi

During Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to Abu Dhabi on 20–21 November 2025, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan surprised a Canadian photographer by picking up his camera and taking a smiling portrait, a brief, human moment that went viral, as the two leaders met at Qasr Al Shati and witnessed the signing of an investment protection agreement and a broader investment framework.

Sheikh Mohamed viral photo moment

While departing the official engagement, the President noticed a UAE-based Canadian photographer standing in the press line. Demonstrating his characteristic humility and the renowned spirit of Emirati hospitality, Sheikh Mohamed walked over, took the photographer's camera into his hands, and invited the visibly moved professional to stand next to Prime Minister Carney.

The President then personally stepped back and clicked a photograph of the two Canadians together. This spontaneous gesture injected a profound human touch into a day dominated by strategic talks, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship and respect that defines the long-standing UAE-Canada partnership.

UAE-Canada $50 billion investment pact

The recent official visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Abu Dhabi marked a pivotal moment, resetting a diplomatic relationship that has quietly thrived for over five decades. This was the first visit by a sitting Canadian Prime Minister since 1983, underscoring its significant strategic importance.

The explicit focus of the meeting, held with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al-Shati, was to dramatically deepen the economic partnership. This ambition quickly transformed into concrete action with two major announcements:

• Investment Security: The signing of a new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). This crucial agreement establishes a stable, predictable business environment for investors from both nations, which is designed to unlock billions in bilateral capital.
• Trade Expansion: The launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at creating a full free trade deal. Officials project that these agreements have the potential to more than double trade between the two countries in less than a decade.

The $70 Billion Commitment: The visit culminated in a massive commitment, with the UAE agreeing to invest the equivalent of $70 billion (USD 50 billion) into Canada. This substantial funding is set to target transformative projects across key sectors, cementing Canada’s position as a safe harbor for foreign investment.

The new focus sectors

The discussions went far beyond traditional trade, strategically targeting the industries shaping the global future. The UAE and Canada expressed eagerness to collaborate across a diverse portfolio of high-growth sectors:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technology: Recognizing the UAE as a leader in AI adoption, collaboration in this area, including data centers and advanced technology, was a major priority.
• Clean Energy & Climate Action: The nations, both major energy players, agreed to align their efforts on sustainability, clean energy, and climate action.
• Strategic Investment: Focused areas also include trade, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, mining (especially critical minerals processing), education, and sustainability.

As stated by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the shared perspective of the UAE and Canada on issues that promote development, peace, and multilateral cooperation, solidifying the relationship as a model of constructive cooperation.

Addressing global challenges

The dialogue between the two leaders was comprehensive, extending to critical regional and international developments. Both reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability for all nations.

The official readouts of the meeting mentioned the situation in Palestine as a topic of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Carney also raised the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. While the UAE government denies allegations of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, the discussion confirmed both countries' involvement in efforts to secure a ceasefire and peace, notably referencing the so-called Quad process (involving the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt).

In summing up the meeting, Prime Minister Carney praised the progress made and emphasized Canada's commitment to expanding joint initiatives, marking the start of a "new chapter" that will shape the economic landscapes of the next generation.