Sheikh Nahyan joins 60,000-strong crowd as Dubai marks 128 years of Philippine independence
Cultural performances bring Filipino heritage and modern artistry together
DUBAI – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined senior diplomats and thousands of residents at a mass celebration marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event, held under the organisation of the Emirates Loves Philippines initiative, drew more than 60,000 members of the Filipino community, alongside residents and visitors from across the UAE.
The gathering highlighted strong bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, as well as the UAE’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.
Message of unity
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that Philippine Independence Day represents values of courage, sacrifice, faith and commitment to dignity and freedom, which he said are also reflected in the contributions of the Filipino community in the UAE. He noted that his appreciation for the community had grown further since last year, as their role across sectors continued to strengthen the nation’s development. He also highlighted that the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, describing diversity as a core strength that supports social cohesion and prosperity.
Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that the country has remained steady in the face of regional and international pressures, crediting the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring stability and unity. He also expressed appreciation for the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for driving continued national progress.
The minister further noted that the Filipino community has become an integral part of the UAE’s success story, adding that entries in the ‘Our Life in the UAE’ competition reflected shared values of family, resilience and generosity.
Filipino culture
Performances at the celebration transformed the Dubai World Trade Centre into a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture, featuring music, dance and traditional artistry. Filipino actress and singer Arci Muñoz headlined the programme, joined by P-pop groups 1st.One, G22 and ALAMAT, whose high-energy sets drew strong audience engagement and highlighted the international rise of Filipino pop music.
The entertainment programme also included cultural presentations rooted in Filipino heritage, including the Sagala pageant, a ceremonial procession featuring traditional attire inspired by historic Filipino customs.
Folk dances and other artistic performances further illustrated the richness and diversity of the nation’s cultural identity, offering audiences a glimpse into traditions passed down through generations. The blend of contemporary music and heritage performances created a dynamic atmosphere, reflecting the evolving global presence of Filipino artistry while preserving its cultural roots.
Throughout the day, the audience responded with enthusiasm, underscoring the strong sense of community pride and cultural connection present at the event.
Filipino community in UAE
Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver expressed appreciation to the UAE and its leadership for fostering an environment of cultural diversity and coexistence, noting that the celebration reflected the strong ties between both nations. He said the Filipino community continues to feel a deep sense of belonging in the UAE, describing the country as a second home for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.
The event was also attended by Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, alongside Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and other dignitaries, reflecting the diplomatic importance of the occasion. Organisers reported strong engagement throughout the day, with the large turnout underscoring the scale of the Filipino community’s presence in the country.
The combination of cultural pride, diplomatic representation and public participation highlighted the enduring people-to-people connections that continue to define UAE-Philippines relations.