The Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC-DNE) held a high-level dialogue with His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, to explore ways to support the Filipino business community in the host country.
PBC Chairwoman Evangeline “Asiyah” Monjardin, along with the Board of Directors, Secretary General Arch. Wilfredo Llarena Jr., Trade & Compliance Director Mary Jane Alvero Almahdi, Director of Corporate Governance and Compliance Harold Grecia Orona, and Membership Director Shiela Pellano, attended the meeting to represent council members and affiliates, ensuring the interests of Filipino professionals and business owners were shared.
Monjardin said the council presented its accomplishments over more than 100 days during the meeting, which provided an avenue for mutual collaboration.
“We had the opportunity to hear the ministry’s plans, goals, and vision for the Filipino community, while also consolidating and presenting the priorities and opportunities identified by our members. The dialogue became a platform for us to voice our interest, share expectations, and encourage greater engagement between the Philippine business community and the UAE government,” Monjardin said in an interview with The Filipino Times.
Among the topics discussed were the ongoing dialogue between the Philippine Government and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade to enhance bilateral trade relations, and the Ministry’s willingness to support the PBC and the broader Filipino business community in navigating the UAE business landscape.
The dialogue also provided a platform to explore ways to support Filipino businesses and investors coming from the Philippines, helping them grow and expand their operations in Dubai while fostering stronger community and business relationships.
In the works
PBC-DNE and the Ministry also discussed development initiatives, including Golden Visa for eligible PBC members.
In 2022, H.E. Al Zeyoudi awarded Golden Visa status to PBC members, and the council requested a second batch of endorsements to continue supporting its members.
In addition, training sessions and seminars on entrepreneurship, business skills, and trade knowledge for Filipino entrepreneurs, SMEs, and professionals were proposed to improve awareness and provide practical guidance. Monjardin noted that the ministry acknowledged these initiatives as work in progress.
The council also announced the expansion of its subcommittees to include Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail, which was welcomed by the ministry. This is in addition to their existing subcommittees, namely League of Freight Forwarders, League of Food & Beverage Enterprises, and TRIBE.
The Filipino business community in Dubai and Northern Emirates has grown steadily in recent years. PBC-DNE data shows Filipino-owned businesses increased from an estimated 1,575 in 2023 to 2,154 by 2024, with an additional 216 companies registered in the first quarter of 2025. These businesses operate in sectors including food and beverage, fashion, logistics, technology services, trade, and hospitality.
