Dubai International Chamber has opened a new representative office in Manila to deepen trade and investment links between Dubai and the Philippines.
The move signals an expanded push to connect businesses across both markets and support bilateral economic growth.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Manila with the presence of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and gathered more than 100 attendees, including senior officials and leaders from the Filipino business community.
Key participants included Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, and Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, alongside Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines to the UAE for Trade and Investments.
Lootah said the new office reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening economic relations and building new pathways for cooperation between business communities in both countries. He added that it will help Filipino companies access Dubai’s business environment and use it as a platform for expansion.
Bilateral trade has shown strong momentum. Non oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached AED 3.58 billion in 2025, up 17 percent from 2024.
Business engagement has also expanded, with 2,592 Filipino companies registered as active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, marking 23.3 percent growth year on year. During 2025, 856 new Filipino firms joined, reflecting continued investor interest.
The new Manila office builds on earlier initiatives, including a 2025 trade mission and a business forum that facilitated hundreds of bilateral meetings and strengthened institutional cooperation between both sides.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
