The FIPA protects Canadian investments in the UAE
Services
Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and CEPA
Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and CEPA - status FIPA in force (2026-05-19); CEPA negotiations concluded, not yet in force. What it includes and does not include for Canadian exporters.
Status
FIPA in force (2026-05-19); CEPA negotiations concluded, not yet in force.
Parties covered
Canada and the United Arab Emirates..
Overview
Canada and the UAE have a FIPA in force since May 2026 and have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement not yet in force. Goods currently trade under WTO rules.
What it includes
A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been concluded but is not yet in force
The UAE imports nearly everything it consumes, creating broad export opportunity
A future CEPA is expected to reduce tariffs and open services and procurement
What it does NOT include
No tariff preferences apply today; trade follows WTO most-favoured-nation rules
The concluded CEPA is not yet in force and its implementation date is unknown
No preferential services or procurement access until the CEPA enters into force
The UAE's standards and certification requirements apply to goods
Markets it covers (of our 18 target markets)
United Arab Emirates.
Practical note for exporters
The UAE is the Gulf gateway: high import dependence, a FIPA protecting investors, and a concluded CEPA awaiting implementation. Exporters should monitor CEPA implementation timing while pursuing WTO-rule trade today.
Source: Global Affairs Canada - Canada's free trade agreements. Verify current terms, product-specific tariff schedules and rules of origin on the official pages before shipping; terms and intakes can change.
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
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