Canada has appointed Punjab-origin political adviser Angad Singh Dhillon as its next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The appointment was announced on September 25 by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. Dhillon will replace Radha Krishna Panday as Canada’s ambassador to the UAE.
Dhillon most recently served as Director of Operations and Stakeholder Relations in the Office of Prime Minister Mark Carney. He has also worked as chief of staff to two federal cabinet ministers and has been involved in Canada’s international and economic engagements.
Strong Punjab Roots
Dhillon has family roots in Ghungrana village in Ludhiana district, Punjab. He moved to Canada in 2010 and later built his career in Canadian politics and public service.
His career has included work on policy and stakeholder relations involving communities and international partners. His appointment to the UAE post comes after years of work in senior political and government roles.
Career in Canadian Politics
Dhillon entered Canadian politics in 2015 as a field organiser in Ontario’s Peel Region.
He later worked with the Liberal Research Bureau and went on to hold senior positions in the federal government. He served as chief of staff to two federal cabinet ministers, working in the small business and transport portfolios.
Most recently, he served in the Prime Minister’s Office as Director of Operations and Stakeholder Relations. According to Global Affairs Canada, he supported efforts to strengthen Canada’s relationships with key bilateral partners, including India and China.
Dhillon also played a role in planning Canada’s first national Investment Summit, which focused on attracting investment and strengthening economic partnerships.
Canada UAE Relations
Dhillon’s appointment comes as Canada and the UAE work to expand their economic and diplomatic relationship.
On September 21, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The two sides discussed strengthening the Canada-UAE relationship, expanding trade and investment and the next steps towards a strategic partnership. Canada and the UAE have also concluded negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
From Political Adviser to Ambassador
Dhillon comes to the ambassadorial position after building his career mainly through politics and government rather than the traditional diplomatic service.
His previous roles included senior responsibilities in the Prime Minister’s Office and federal ministries, as well as participation in Canada’s international engagements at forums including the G7, G20 and United Nations General Assembly.
His new role will see him lead Canada’s diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi and represent the country in its engagement with the UAE.
Significance for the Punjabi Community
Dhillon’s Punjab background has also drawn attention in Canada and India. His family’s roots in Ludhiana and his rise through Canadian public life have made the appointment notable among people of Indian and Punjabi origin.
His appointment comes as Canada continues to strengthen its diplomatic and economic engagement with countries in the Gulf region.
