Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Dubai International Chamber has inaugurated an international office in Manila, a strategic move aimed at enhancing trade and investment relations with the Philippines.

The launch event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Louise Araneta-Marcos, along with prominent officials and more than 100 members of the Filipino business community.

Noteworthy attendees included Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, and Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.

Bolstering Economic Ties

In his address, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah stated that the new Manila office signifies Dubai’s dedication to fostering economic collaboration with the Philippines. He noted that this establishment will enable Filipino enterprises to discover opportunities in Dubai and leverage its status as a global business hub.

Growing Trade and Business Activities

This launch coincides with significant growth in bilateral trade, with non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reaching AED 3.58 billion in 2025, reflecting a 17% increase from the prior year.

By the end of 2025, 2,592 Filipino enterprises were registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, indicating a year-on-year growth of 23.3%. Furthermore, 856 new businesses joined during the year, highlighting sustained interest in Dubai's market.

Building on a Strong Basis

This initiative follows a successful trade mission held in May 2025, which brought together 17 Dubai-based enterprises and facilitated 180 bilateral meetings. A highlight of this mission was the “Doing Business with the Philippines” forum, which attracted over 300 participants.

During the event, Dubai Chambers entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aimed at enhancing collaboration and exploring new trade avenues.

Fostering Future Growth

The Manila office is set to play a crucial role in linking businesses across both regions. It will provide market insights, assist Filipino firms in entering Dubai, and support Dubai-based companies in expanding into the Philippine market through local partnerships.

This expansion aligns with the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, aiming to establish 50 international offices by 2030, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier global business center.

#Global News #Dubai News #UAE News #World Update