When Canadian nurse Gertrude Dyck arrived in Al Ain in 1962, the UAE wasn’t yet a country. For 38 years, she served at Al Ain’s Oasis Hospital, delivering thousands of babies, including members of the royal family. She was affectionately known by locals as “Doctora Latifa,” meaning gentle and kind.
“Dyck was a true pioneer in UAE nursing,” said Radha Krishna Panday, the Canadian ambassador to the UAE. After returning to Canada, she was honored with the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canada-UAE relations.
In 2009, Dyck was posthumously awarded the UAE’s Medal of Independence of the Third Order by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
The Canadian ambassador emphasized how Canadians have helped shape the UAE’s story. “While Canada and the UAE are different in many ways, our values are similar. We value tolerance, inclusivity, and governance, with women playing vital roles in both nations.”
This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the UAE. To celebrate, the Canadian embassy hosted a treasure hunt with over 150 participants.
Making a Mark in the UAE
Canadians have contributed to key UAE landmarks, such as the Etihad Museum, designed by a Toronto-based firm, and the Burj Khalifa, with Canadians overseeing its construction. The Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) training center has trained world-class pilots for over 30 years. Popular Canadian brands, like Tim Hortons, have a lasting presence, with Canada exporting canola, wheat, and pulses to the UAE for decades.
Canada and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 1974, and since then, their trade and relations have only grown stronger.
