A new representative office launched by Dubai International Chamber in the Philippine capital marks the latest step in an expanding economic partnership that has seen bilateral non-oil trade climb to AED 3.58 billion in 2025 — a 17% jump from the previous year.
Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos attended the inauguration event in Manila, which drew more than 100 guests from government and the private sector. Among those present were UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi and Special Presidential Envoy for Trade and Investments to the UAE Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.
Dubai Chambers President and CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah said the new office is intended to open doors for companies on both ends. “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,” he said. “The office will play an important role in supporting Filipino companies in exploring the opportunities available in Dubai and benefiting from the emirate’s favourable 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.”
Membership figures underscore the growing commercial interest. As of end-2025, 2,592 Philippine-registered companies held active membership in Dubai Chamber of Commerce — a 23.3% year-on-year rise — with 856 new entrants joining during the year alone.
The Manila office traces its groundwork to a trade mission the chamber organized to the Philippines in May 2025, where 17 Dubai-based firms held 180 bilateral business meetings with Filipino counterparts. A forum held in Manila during that visit, titled “Doing Business with the Philippines,” drew 314 attendees. Dubai Chambers also used the occasion to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry covering trade cooperation and future collaboration.
Ties were further reinforced in January this year when First Lady Araneta-Marcos visited Dubai Chambers headquarters — a visit the chamber described as reflecting the depth of relations between the two markets.
The Manila office falls under Dubai’s broader “Dubai Global” initiative, which aims to establish 50 representative offices worldwide by 2030 to attract foreign direct investment and support local companies entering 30 priority markets. Beyond serving Filipino firms eyeing a Dubai foothold, the office will also assist Dubai-based businesses looking to enter the Philippine market through local partner connections and investment opportunity mapping.
