UAE strengthens resource ties with Canada and eyes space simulants
The Emirates signed a comprehensive economic partnership with Canada and committed $50 billion in investment, while researchers say local rocks could serve as space mission simulants.
Illustration: AI-generated image
The UAE is deepening its resource partnerships on two fronts: signing a wide-ranging economic agreement with Canada and tapping local geology for space exploration supplies.
During Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed's official visit to Canada, officials from Abu Dhabi and Ottawa concluded a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The UAE has already committed $50 billion of investment in Canada, according to The National. The partnership has a strong energy component: Abu Dhabi's Masdar signed a cooperation agreement with Natural Resources Canada, and Adnoc's international unit XRG is reportedly interested in a stake in the Shell-led LNG Canada project.
Beyond energy, Canada is a resource superpower, ranking fourth in oil production, fifth in gas output, first in potash extraction, and second in uranium mining. It is also a major exporter of wheat, oilseed and other crops. Dubai's DP World is discussing development of the northern port of Churchill on Hudson Bay, which could become part of an Asia-Europe trade corridor through the Arctic.
Meanwhile, closer to home, researchers have identified parts of the Hajar Mountains as a promising source of rocks and soil that mimic lunar and Martian surfaces. Kosmas Pavlopoulos, professor of environmental geomorphology at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, told The National that results were "exceptionally promising". Remote sensing pinpointed prime extraction zones across Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Dubai, located near existing transport and processing infrastructure.
Planetary simulants are critical for testing rovers, drills and other equipment because actual lunar and Martian samples are rare and cannot be used for destructive tests. A local simulant industry would reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and could make the UAE a regional hub and exporter, supporting programmes such as the Emirates Lunar Mission and the Hope Mars probe.
The findings, published in the Planetary and Space Science journal, are a starting point for further work. Prof Pavlopoulos said follow-up studies will focus on the most promising regions and develop tailored simulant recipes.
