The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Philippines have commemorated 51 years of diplomatic relations on Aug. 19, marking over five decades of partnership and mutual progress since formal ties were established in 1974.
On this occasion, the Philippine and UAE diplomats expressed their congratulations to the Filipino and Emirati people, reaffirming their commitments to strengthen cooperation.
Strong people-to-people relations
In his message, His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, attributed the growing partnership between the two nations to the strong connection of their people.
“The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi congratulates the Filipino and Emirati peoples for the continued expansion and evolving ties between our nations, built upon the strong people-to-people relations and presence of close to a million Filipinos living and thriving in the UAE,” Ambassador Ver said.
He added that while the relationship initially focused on labor cooperation, it has now expanded into new and innovative areas, reaching its strongest level since diplomatic ties began over 50 years ago.
This includes deals and agreements across various sectors, such as cultural cooperation, security, and artificial intelligence, deepened by the historic visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the UAE where he met the host country’s top leaders.
“This year, we look forward to capping another milestone in our relations with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which will yield a bounty of mutual benefits and prosperity to our peoples,” Ambassador Ver said.
A country where Filipinos are allowed to thrive
Hon. Marford Angeles, Philippine Consul General in Dubai, underscored how the friendship between the two countries provided opportunities for the Filipino community to succeed in the UAE.
“The city has become a home where the Filipino spirit thrives. Dubai’s openness to talent and innovation has allowed our people to make lasting contributions across many sectors: healthcare, education, construction, finance, hospitality, technology, and the creative industries,” he said in a message sent to The Filipino Times.
The Consul General added that the achievements of Filipinos strengthen the bilateral bond as they showcase their dedication, resilience, and ingenuity across fields.
“The Consulate is privileged to witness these journeys each day. We see how Dubai provides an environment where dreams can be pursued and communities can flourish. We also see how Filipinos repay this generosity by enriching the cultural and social fabric of the city, bringing with them values of hard work, compassion, and solidarity,” he continued.
Expressing gratitude to the UAE government, he said: “As we look to the future, I am confident that the story of Filipinos in Dubai will continue to embody the strength of the Philippines–UAE relationship, guided by mutual respect and shared aspirations for prosperity.”
Stronger relations for future generations
His Excellency Mohamed Alqattam Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, also reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation, drive innovation, and ensure shared prosperity for generations to come.
“The UAE is home to more than one million Filipinos, whose contributions enrich every sector of society. The UAE remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening the bonds between the two nations,” H.E. Alzaabi said.
More than 5 decades of partnership
The two countries have expanded beyond labor cooperation into groundbreaking agreements across key sectors.
Ambassador Alzaabi noted that 22 agreements have been signed, covering culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, government modernization, and security, over the past three years.
In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the UAE, where he met His Highness UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate the golden anniversary of bilateral ties.
The UAE also pledged USD 20 million to support the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, while a USD 15 billion Masdar-Philippines initiative aims to develop renewable energy projects projected to generate up to 10 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.
This year, both nations are looking forward to the signing of CEPA, which aims to boost trade and investment across key industries by lowering trade barriers, expanding market access for Filipino goods and services, and attracting more investments.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, several historic landmarks in the Philippines, including the National Museum of the Philippines and the José Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, were illuminated in the colors of the UAE flag, honoring the 51-year-strong bond between the two nations.
