Dubai International Chamber Opens Manila Office to Strengthen Dubai-Philippines Trade and Investment Relations
Dubai International Chamber has inaugurated a new international representative office in Manila, marking a significant step in enhancing trade and investment relations between Dubai and the Philippines. The official launch took place during a special event attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and over 100 guests, including key officials and prominent members of the Filipino business community.
Inauguration Event Highlights
The inauguration event featured notable attendees such as H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; H.E. Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines; and H.E. Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines to the UAE for Trade and Investments. The presence of these dignitaries underscores the importance of this new office in fostering bilateral relations.
Commitment to Economic Relations
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah emphasized that the establishment of the Manila office reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Philippines. He stated that the office will serve as a vital resource for Filipino businesses looking to explore opportunities in Dubai, benefiting from the emirate’s favorable business environment. The goal is to deepen trade and investment relations that support mutual growth.
Growth in Bilateral Trade
The inauguration comes at a time of notable growth in bilateral business relations. In 2025, the value of non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached AED 3.58 billion, representing a 17% increase from 2024. By the end of December 2025, 2,592 companies from the Philippines were registered as active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 23.3%. Additionally, 856 new Filipino companies joined the chamber in 2025, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year.
Building on Previous Initiatives
The launch of the Manila office builds on the outcomes of a trade mission organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in May 2025. This mission included representatives from 17 Dubai-based private sector companies and resulted in 180 bilateral business meetings. During the mission, a forum titled “Doing Business with the Philippines” attracted 314 participants, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dubai Chambers and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance cooperation and explore new areas for collaboration.
Strengthening Future Cooperation
In January 2026, Dubai Chambers welcomed First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos to its headquarters, further solidifying the relationship between the two markets. This visit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.
The Manila office will collaborate closely with the Filipino business community to strengthen relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders. It aims to showcase Dubai’s competitive advantages as a leading global business destination while providing valuable market intelligence to assist Filipino companies in establishing a presence in Dubai.
Supporting Dubai-Based Companies
The office will also facilitate Dubai-based companies seeking to expand into the Philippines. It will offer expert market insights, identify commercial and investment opportunities, and connect businesses with trusted local partners to ensure smooth market entry and successful growth.
Part of the ‘Dubai Global’ Initiative
The launch of the Manila office aligns with the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, which aims to establish 50 representative offices worldwide by 2030. This initiative seeks to bolster Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub by attracting foreign direct investment and supporting the expansion of local companies into 30 priority markets around the globe.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-04-15 11:38:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk