What is CABC?
The CABC was founded by a small group of farsighted people who, as early as 1983, saw the enormous business potential between Canada and the Arab world. Today, the CABC board and executive consists of senior level business professionals representing a range of sectors and expertise in Canada and in Arab states.
It also includes top rate lawyers and business people who have lived and worked in the region for many years as well as Canadians of Arab descent who have extensive business in both Canadian and Arab markets. Select former Canadian Ambassadors to the region as well as representatives of provincial and federal governments also bring their expertise to board deliberations.
What is CABC?
The Canada Arab Business Council is Canada’s only not-for-profit association focused exclusively on promoting trade and investment between Canada and the Arab world.
Since 1983, the Council has been the principal advocate for, and the driving force behind, Canada’s growing economic relations with Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. We also work with Arab governments to promote economic relations with Canada.
Who We are
The CABC was founded by a small group of farsighted businessmen who, in 1983, saw the enormous potential for business between Canada and the Arab world….
Why CABC?
CABC includes top-rate lawyers and business people who have lived and worked in the region for many years as well as Canadians of Arab descent who have extensive business in both Canadian and Arab markets…
Our Vision
To be the organization of choice for Canadian companies and government agencies to enable business opportunities in Arab countries…
Our Partners
CABC is pan-Arab in reach because most of our members are interested in more than one Arab market and a broader geographic base allows us to speak…
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Message from the President
President’s Report – Third Quarter 2026
The third quarter of 2026 has been an important period for Canada–MENA relations, with increased high-level engagement between Canada and key Gulf countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Jeddah resulted in approximately $1 billion in announced investment commitments involving Saudi Arabia and Canada, along with numerous agreements and MOUs signed between Canadian and Saudi organizations. Among the CABC members participating in these agreements were Niagara College and Bombardier, demonstrating the tangible opportunities emerging for Canadian businesses and institutions. The visit also highlighted opportunities across priority sectors including infrastructure, energy, artificial intelligence, education and life sciences.
Canada–Qatar relations also continued to strengthen, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The quarter also saw the visit of Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ottawa, further demonstrating Canada’s focus on strengthening relationships across the Gulf. These engagements provide CABC with opportunities to deepen relationships with governments, embassies and business communities and to facilitate greater two-way trade and investment.
The Canada Investment Summit (CIS), held September 14–15, was another significant development, bringing together international investors, Canadian businesses and government leaders. The Summit announced approximately $500 billion in investment commitments and planned projects in Canada, including numerous major infrastructure and other strategic projects. The Government of Canada’s broader objective is to attract $1 trillion in investment into Canada, meaning that the additional $500 billion represents a longer-term target rather than investment already committed at the Summit. This scale of investment presents significant opportunities for CABC members, particularly in infrastructure, energy, technology, education, life sciences and related professional services, including opportunities to connect MENA investors with Canadian projects and businesses.
Overall, the third quarter has demonstrated strong momentum in Canada–MENA economic and investment relations. As we move into the final quarter, CABC will continue to focus on translating high-level government and diplomatic engagement into tangible opportunities for our members, including business introductions, investment partnerships, targeted programming and stronger relationships across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and the broader Arab World.
With appreciation,
Cathy Séguin
President & Executive Director
Partners
Patron Members
The CABC is a Canadian not-for-profit focused exclusively on bringing the Canadian and Arab business communities together.
