UAE and Canada explore increasing direct flights at ministerial meeting

Higher frequency of flights will further strengthen business ties between the two trading partners.

Sultan Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy, has met with the Canadian Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, and discussed ways to develop joint cooperation in the air transport field, WAM reported on Saturday. Delores Johnson / The National

The UAE and Canada are exploring the possibility of increasing the number of direct flights between the two countries in a bid to further strengthen their existing business ties.  

Economy Minister Sultan Al Mansouri has met with the Canadian Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, and discussed joint co-operation in air transport, the official news agency Wam reported yesterday.

There is a need to develop aspects of co-operation in the field of aviation and air services, to keep abreast of the current development in bilateral relations between the two countries and to enhance the investment opportunities offered in many vital sectors, Mr Al Mansouri told the meeting, which was also attended by Fahad Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to Canada and a number of senior Canadian officials.

He said increasing the number of direct flights will shorten geographical distances and achieve better communication between the business community and investors, and increase the volume of trade and tourism.

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Effective June 5, Emiratis will be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. The change will allow UAE nationals to stay for up to six months for business or tourism. Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, announced the provision during a meeting with the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed last week.

The UAE, which is home to two of the major Middle East carriers, is strengthening economic and trade relations with Canada.

Both countries have taken steps to “create the necessary legislative structure” to increase private sector co-operation and opening up of the markets through a number of agreements.

Establishment of the Joint Economic Committee and the formation of the UAE-Canada Business Council are also part of these steps, according to Wam.