When nurse Gertrude Dyck arrived in Al Ain in 1962, the UAE was not yet established; she was among the first Canadians to set foot in the region. Over her 38-year tenure at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, she delivered countless babies, including members of the royal family.

"Dyck was a trailblazer in the realm of nursing in the UAE," remarked Radha Krishna Panday, the Canadian ambassador to the UAE. "Upon her return to Canada, she was honored with the Order of Canada for her significant contributions to Canada-UAE relations."

During her time in the UAE, Dyck was affectionately referred to by the locals as 'Doctora Latifa', a name that embodies gentleness, mercy, and kindness. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 75 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Independence of the Third Order by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed for her dedicated service.

According to the ambassador, Dyck's story is just one of many examples illustrating how Canadians have played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE. "Despite our apparent differences, the fundamental values of Canada and the UAE are remarkably aligned," he noted. "Both nations prioritize good governance, recognize the vital role of women in progress, and champion tolerance and inclusivity. Similar to the over 200 nationalities coexisting harmoniously in the UAE, Canada embraces people from all corners of the globe, fostering a diverse and resilient society."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Canada. To celebrate this milestone, the Canadian mission has organized a treasure hunt, attracting 150 participants.

Panday also highlighted the significant contributions of Canadians to the architectural landscape of the UAE. "For instance, a Toronto-based architectural firm conceptualized the Etihad Museum in Dubai, known for its innovative design. The iconic Etisalat buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were also the brainchild of a Canadian architect. Moreover, a Canadian firm was the architect of record during the construction of the Burj Khalifa, overseeing the architecture and leading design coordination."

Furthermore, several Canadian brands have thrived in the UAE for decades. The Canadian Aviation Electronics flight simulation training center has been operational in the country for over 30 years. The Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT), a joint venture between CAE and Emirates Airlines, has been training top-tier pilots and maintenance technicians for many years.

"Tim Hortons, a beloved Canadian coffee brand, has gained immense popularity here," noted Panday. "Additionally, we have been exporting agricultural products such as canola, wheat, and pulses to the UAE for decades."

Diplomatic ties between the UAE and Canada were formalized in 1974, just three years after the UAE's formation. Since then, bilateral relations and trade investments between the two countries have steadily grown.

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