President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to the United Arab Emirates next week following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the visit is anchored on Marcos’ participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a multiday forum that convenes leaders from government, business, and civil society to exchange policy approaches on global sustainability challenges. The gathering runs from January 11 to 15 in Abu Dhabi.
Castro confirmed that Marcos will depart the Philippines on January 12 and join other heads of state in discussions covering energy transition, water security, finance, food systems, and environmental concerns.
Beyond the conference agenda, the trip includes the signing of two bilateral instruments between Manila and Abu Dhabi. These are the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.
Cepa is positioned by Malacañang as the Philippines’ first free trade accord with a Middle Eastern partner, designed to widen market access for Philippine goods and services in the region.
The defense memorandum, Castro said, is viewed by the administration as a framework for deeper cooperation with the UAE, particularly in advancing Philippine defense technologies.
“Buo ang paniniwala ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na magiging makabuluhan at kapaki-pakinabang para sa sambayanang Pilipino ang kanyang papalapit na pagbisita sa Abu Dhabi,” Castro said.
