Starting November 3, 2026, Etihad Airways will launch direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary four times a week. This decision will significantly improve Alberta's transport accessibility for tourists, investors, and business travelers, as well as open up new commercial opportunities for the province's businesses in one of the world's fastest-growing regions — the Middle East.
The new route will be the only non-stop flight between the Middle East and Western Canada, which is of strategic importance both for Alberta's economy and for Calgary's international position as a global aviation and business hub.
Strengthening economic ties between Alberta and the UAE
The launch of the flight reflects the dynamic growth of economic relations between Alberta and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past two years, the Alberta government has implemented a number of trade and diplomatic initiatives in the region, including several official missions to the UAE, the opening of a new Alberta office in Abu Dhabi, and the establishment of close cooperation with ministers, officials, and business representatives.
In 2024, total trade between Alberta and the UAE was approximately $303 million, confirming the growing role of the Emirates as a key partner for the province in the Middle East.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that Etihad's decision is a direct result of this work:
"Alberta and the United Arab Emirates share a strong and growing partnership built on trade and tourism. Our trade missions are translating into real commercial momentum, and the launch of Etihad's flights to Alberta is a testament to the confidence in our market and recognition of the value our province offers."
She said the new air service will help position Alberta as a global travel and trade hub, which has been a key goal of the government's international missions.
Abu Dhabi as a strategic gateway to the region
The opening of Alberta's office in Abu Dhabi just a few months ago was an important milestone in the development of relations. As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is one of the leading centers of business, investment, and regional management for companies operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
The UAE is already Alberta's largest export market in the region, and the new direct flight will make access to this market even easier and faster.
Alberta Minister of Employment, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Shaw emphasized:
“Alberta is increasingly building relationships around the world that directly impact the strength and success of our economy. This is an important step forward in our relationship with the United Arab Emirates, opening the door to more mutually beneficial business.”
Tourism, jobs, and new opportunities for the region
In addition to trade and investment, the new route has strong tourism potential. The direct flight will make it much easier for travelers from the Middle East and other regions of the world to access Alberta's natural landscapes, including the Canadian Rockies, national parks, and key tourist cities.
Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport Andriy Boychenko noted that the new air service:
“Strengthens Calgary's role as an international hub, supports local businesses, creates jobs, and reinforces Alberta's position as one of Canada's leading tourist destinations.”
The increase in visitor numbers is expected to lead to increased spending in the tourism sector, which will have a positive multiplier effect on the province's economy.
Etihad's strategy and global connectivity
For Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, the launch of the Abu Dhabi-Calgary route is part of a strategy to deepen its presence in North America. Abu Dhabi is now one of the world's fastest-growing aviation hubs, providing convenient connections to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Etihad CEO Antonio Neves called the launch of the flight historic:
“By creating the only non-stop connection between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, as well as connecting two globally important destinations.”
The role of Calgary Airport
Calgary Airports is also playing a key role in the implementation of this project. Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of the company, emphasized that the new route:
“is key to connecting tourists and business travelers with important markets in the Middle East and numerous connecting destinations around the world.”
Key facts
- The Middle East is a priority market for Alberta in sectors such as energy, carbon capture and storage, water technology, agriculture, agri-food, data centers, and life sciences.
- In 2024, Alberta's exports to the UAE totaled $248 million, including canola seeds, wheat, lentils, machinery, and mechanical equipment.
- Over 40% of goods exported to the UAE are re-exported to other markets in the region.
- Imports from the UAE to Alberta in 2024 amounted to approximately $55.4 million, maintaining stable bilateral trade flows.
Conclusion
The launch of Etihad's direct flights between Calgary and Abu Dhabi is not just a new air route, but a strategic move that reinforces Alberta as a globally open, competitive, and attractive jurisdiction for investment. The combination of air accessibility, diplomatic presence, and active trade policy creates a solid foundation for further growth in economic and tourism ties between Alberta and the Middle East.