The Dubai International Chamber has inaugurated a new international representative office in Manila to deepen bilateral trade and investment relations between Dubai and the Philippines.
The office was officially launched during a high-profile ceremony in Manila attended by Philippines First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos alongside senior officials and key members of the Filipino business community.
Among those present were Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; HE Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of the Philippines; and HE Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines to the UAE for Trade and Investments.
HE Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah President and CEO Dubai Chambers
“The opening of our office in Manila reflects our commitment to strengthening economic relations between Dubai and the Philippines and creating new paths for cooperation between the business communities in both markets. The office will play an important role in supporting Filipino companies in exploring the opportunities available in Dubai and benefiting from the emirate’s favorable business environment as a gateway for growth and expansion. We look forward to further deepening trade and investments in ways that advance our shared interests and support mutual growth.”
The inauguration comes amid robust growth in bilateral economic relations. Non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached $975 million (AED 3.58 billion) in 2025, representing a 17 percent year-on-year increase.
The number of Filipino companies registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce rose to 2,592 by the end of 2025, reflecting strong and sustained business engagement.
Building on strong trade engagement
The launch builds on the success of a trade mission to the Philippines organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in May 2025.
The mission brought together representatives from 17 Dubai-based companies and facilitated 180 bilateral business meetings.
A key highlight was the ‘Doing Business with the Philippines’ forum in Manila, which attracted over 300 participants and resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance cooperation and explore new opportunities.
Momentum continued into the following year, with the visit of Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, to Dubai Chamber’s headquarters, further reinforcing the strength of bilateral ties and opening new channels for collaboration.
Supporting market expansion and investment flows
The newly established Manila office will serve as a vital platform to connect businesses, offering market intelligence, facilitating partnerships, and supporting Filipino companies in entering Dubai’s dynamic market.
It will also assist Dubai-based firms in expanding into the Philippines by identifying investment opportunities and enabling smooth market entry through trusted local networks.
The initiative forms part of the ‘Dubai Global’ program, which aims to establish 50 international offices by 2030.
The strategy is designed to enhance Dubai’s standing as a leading global business hub by attracting foreign investment and supporting the international expansion of local enterprises.
