DP World explores $57bn Churchill port logistics partnership
Dubai operator examines linking Manitoba's Hudson Bay facility to its global network for Canadian resource exports.
DP World is examining a partnership to connect Manitoba's Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay to its global logistics network, according to Bloomberg. The partnership agreement would explore linking the port and its railway to DP World's operations, with an estimated project cost of $57 billion.
Scope of the Churchill port partnership#
The project would create a gateway to transport Canadian resources including liquefied natural gas, grain and critical minerals to customers in the Middle East and Europe, Bloomberg reported. The partnership would connect Churchill's existing rail infrastructure to DP World's network of terminals and shipping routes. No timeline for the exploration phase or a final investment decision has been disclosed.
UAE-Canada trade and investment framework#
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Canada totalled approximately $4.2 billion in 2025, a 21 percent rise from the year before, according to Economy Middle East. In the first six months of 2026, trade reached approximately $2.03 billion, 19 percent higher than the corresponding period of 2025. The two countries are advancing a $50 billion investment framework that Prime Minister Mark Carney announced during his November 2025 visit to the UAE, designed to channel capital into priority sectors.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement#
Negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Canada concluded in July 2026, according to Economy Middle East. Once ratified, the agreement will lower tariffs, improve market access and remove trade barriers. Sectors covered include aerospace, agri-food, seafood, clean energy, advanced technology and critical minerals. The agreement operates alongside the existing UAE-Canada Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
Official visit and delegation#
On 27 October 2026, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended an official dinner hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to The National. The UAE delegation included Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; and Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment. Discussions covered UAE-Canada relations and cooperation across various sectors.
Sources3 sources across 3 domains
- economymiddleeast.comEconomy Middle EastUAE-Canada non-oil trade figures for 2025 and first half 2026, CEPA conclusion date, investment framework amount, delegation members
- semafor.comSemaforDP World Churchill port partnership exploration, $57 billion project cost estimate, resource types to be transported, Bloomberg as source
- thenationalnews.comThe NationalDinner date, attendees, delegation composition, CEPA finalisation in July
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