United Arab Emirates

General Overview

Population:

4,621,399
estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net inmigration of non-citizens than previous estimates (July 2008 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity):

US $186.8 billion (2008 est.)

GDP per capita (PPP):

US $40,400 (2008 est.)

GDP (real growth rate):

8.5% (2008 est.)

Industries:

petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

Imports:

US $141.1 billion f.o.b. (2008 est.)

Import commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Exports:

US $207.7 billion f.o.b. (2008 est.)

Export commodities:

crude oil 45%, natural gas, re-exports, dried fish, dates

Alberta's export to the UAE:

CAN $153.32 million (2007)

Alberta's main exports to the UAE:

machinery, transportation parts and equipment, canola seed and wheat

Canada's main exports to the UAE:

gold, aircrafts, peas, canola seed, machinery, surveying instruments, lentils, heavy petroleum oil preparations and lumber

For detailed information about the UAE, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

CIA World Factbook
Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy

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Export Statistics

For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to the UAE, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry.
Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.

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Alberta-UAE Relations

Political power is concentrated in Abu Dhabi, which controls the vast majority of the UAE's economic and resource wealth.

World Relations
Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with the UAE.

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Sector Opportunities

Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)

Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.

According to AIMS, Saudi Arabia has been identified as a priority market in the following sectors:
- Architecture, Engineering and Construction
- Industrial Machinery and Equipment
Architecture/Construction/Engineering Services

Alberta firms already have a strong competitive presence in the UAE. Excellent opportunities exist in both the petroleum sector and the private sector. Within the next ten years US$ 2.5 billion will be spent on the expansion of a number of plants and onshore gas development. In the private sector, the hotel industry continues to be strong with the proposed construction of up to 15 new 5-star hotels and renovations.
Construction Equipment

There is a demand for heavy construction, road construction and earth moving equipment, in particular self-propelled bulldozers, front-end shovel loaders, fork lift trucks, bulldozers and angeldozers, boring or sinking machinery, tamping machines, and graders.
Oil and Gas Equipment and Services

Development of natural gas fields remains a priority, as the demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 70 per cent over the next four years. The UAE claims 100 million barrels of oil, and it has 6.5 trillion cubic metres of proven gas reserves. The United Arab Emirates Offsets Group (UOG) is in discussions with a number of potential regional and international partners in a major strategic initiative to develop a comprehensive gas supply and infrastructure system in the Gulf region. This is the largest initiative of its kind ever undertaken in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world.

Advanced negotiations with several potential commercial partners to develop gas extraction and supply are ongoing and additional partnership opportunities are being sought. In addition, the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is continuing to pursue major gas projects to satisfy this demand. As a result, the demand for oil field services and equipment is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 10%. Providers of new and innovative equipment and services will be required as the modernization and expansion of the oil and gas industry continues. There is particular interest in Sour Gas technology and Alberta is viewed as being a leader in this field.

Best prospects for this sector are: line pipe for oil & gas, casing, tubing, drilling pipe, drilling & boring machinery & tools, pumps, oil and gas separation equipment, drilling equipment, pipeline equipment, drilling chemicals, pipeline construction equipment, mining engineering services, and petrochemical engineering services. Opportunities also exist in the LNG industry, such as control valves/ safety valves & systems, mechanical seals/ pressure seals, gaskets, general service pumps, booster compressors, high pressure separators, heat exchangers/ cryogenic exchangers, filters, and cartridges.

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

Electronic Business Intelligence Service (EBIS)
The on-line source for export market intelligence accessible to Alberta businesses working to expand into the global marketplace.
Export Source - Market and Business Opportunities
Online tool for new and experienced exporters.
Virtual Trade Commissioner
Gateway to market information.

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations.
Exporter Needs Continuum
Lists services that can benefit your company and who offers them.
Export Resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters.
International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.