Dubai Chamber Launches Office in Manila to Enhance Trade Relations

The Dubai International Chamber has inaugurated a new representative office in Manila, aimed at boosting trade and investment relations between Dubai and the Philippines.

The opening ceremony took place in Manila and was graced by various dignitaries, including Louise Araneta-Marcos, along with numerous senior officials and over 100 representatives from the Filipino business sector.

Notable attendees included Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, and Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.

Enhancing Economic Collaborations

During his speech, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah emphasized that the Manila office signifies Dubai’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic collaboration with the Philippines. He noted that this facility will aid Filipino businesses in discovering opportunities in Dubai, leveraging its status as a global business gateway.

Surge in Trade and Business Opportunities

This launch comes at a time when bilateral trade is on the rise. Non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines hit AED 3.58 billion in 2025, a 17% increase compared to the previous year.

By the close of 2025, 2,592 Filipino firms had joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, marking a year-on-year growth of 23.3%. Additionally, 856 new companies were welcomed during the year, evidencing the persistent interest in Dubai's business landscape.

Building on Established Relationships

This initiative follows a successful trade mission from May 2025, where 17 Dubai-based companies participated and engaged in 180 bilateral meetings. A highlight of this mission was the “Doing Business with the Philippines” forum, which attracted over 300 participants.

At the event, the Dubai Chamber and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster cooperation and explore emerging trade possibilities.

Fostering Future Growth

The new office in Manila will serve as a crucial link for businesses from both regions, providing market insights and support for Filipino companies looking to enter Dubai, as well as facilitating Dubai-based firms to expand into the Philippine market through local partnerships.

This move aligns with the 'Dubai Global' initiative, which aims to set up 50 international offices by 2030, further establishing Dubai as a premier global business hub.