Canadian Business Delegation Trip to the Middle East

Overview

CAAM’s Middle East Delegation Trip brought Canadian industry leaders to Qatar and the UAE for four days of focused discussions on policy, innovation, airport readiness, and the emerging AAM ecosystem across the region.

Day 1 — Qatar: Strategy, Innovation & Economic Growth

The delegation began in Doha with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, exploring how Qatar’s Vision 2030 is shaping regulatory pathways and airspace modernization for future AAM operations.

At Qatar Development Bank, conversations centred on how Qatar supports startups and technology growth through advisory services, funding programs, and soft-landing support for companies entering the market.

The day concluded at Qatar Financial Centre with insights on incentives and market-entry frameworks for global aviation and mobility companies.

Day 2 — Qatar: Research, Airports & Free Zones

Day 2 opened at Qatar Science & Technology Park, where the delegation learned how Qatar is building research, commercialization, and aerospace testing capabilities to help scale new technologies.

Meetings with Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport explored airside operations, cargo growth, early drone activity, and how emerging mobility fits into long-term airport planning.

At Qatar Free Zones Authority, discussions highlighted investment incentives and active mobility initiatives, including drone testing areas within Qatar’s free zones.

Day 3 — UAE: Market Insights & Airline Innovation

In Abu Dhabi, a market briefing at the Canadian Embassy outlined the UAE’s priorities across aviation, autonomy, and advanced mobility, supported by significant investment and research activity.

The delegation then met with Etihad Airways’ digital and innovation teams to understand how the airline evaluates emerging technology and prepares for future mobility—opening clear pathways for deeper AAM collaboration.

The day wrapped with the DriftX event at Yas Marina Circuit.

Day 4 — UAE: Airport Readiness & Vertiport Plans

The final day focused on infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Airports, where leaders shared plans for early AAM deployment, proposed vertiport locations across the emirate, modular site designs, and initial operations planned under daytime VFR.

The trip closed with a delegation dinner, reflecting on shared progress and the strong alignment between Middle Eastern mobility goals and Canada’s AAM expertise.

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