Dubai International Chamber opens Manila office to boost Philippines trade ties
New hub connects businesses and unlocks cross-border opportunities
DUBAI – Dubai International Chamber has launched a new international representative office in Manila, marking a significant step in efforts to deepen trade and investment ties between Dubai and the Philippines.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic cooperation and create new pathways for businesses in both markets. The Manila office is expected to serve as a key platform for facilitating partnerships, supporting expansion plans, and enhancing bilateral engagement between the two economies.
The office was inaugurated during a special ceremony in Manila attended by more than 100 participants, including senior officials and prominent figures from the Filipino business community. Among those present were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi, and Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy for Trade and Investments.
Strategic move
The establishment of the Manila office reflects Dubai International Chamber’s continued focus on strengthening international partnerships and supporting business communities across borders. The new hub is designed to assist Filipino companies in exploring opportunities in Dubai, while also enabling Dubai-based firms to expand into the Philippine market.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah highlighted that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance economic relations and unlock new areas of cooperation. He noted that the office will play a vital role in helping companies benefit from Dubai’s business-friendly environment and its position as a gateway to regional and global markets.
The opening comes at a time when economic ties between Dubai and the Philippines are experiencing notable growth. The value of non-oil trade between the two reached Dh3.58 billion in 2025, representing a 17 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend underscores the strengthening commercial relationship and growing demand for cross-border collaboration.
Trade growth
Business engagement between the two markets has also expanded significantly. By the end of December 2025, a total of 2,592 Filipino companies were registered as active members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, reflecting year-on-year growth of 23.3 percent. During the same year, 856 new Filipino companies joined the chamber, marking a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2024.
These figures highlight the rising interest among Filipino businesses in leveraging Dubai as a base for international expansion. The emirate’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies continue to attract companies seeking access to wider markets.
The launch of the Manila office builds on the outcomes of a trade mission organised in May 2025 by Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The mission brought together representatives from 17 Dubai-based private sector companies and resulted in 180 bilateral business meetings, providing a platform for companies to explore partnerships and investment opportunities.
As part of the visit, a business forum titled ‘Doing Business with the Philippines’ was held in Manila, attracting 314 participants. The event served as a key networking opportunity and facilitated discussions on trade, investment, and collaboration across various sectors. During the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen cooperation and identify new avenues for joint initiatives.
Global push
Momentum in bilateral relations continued into the following year, with the visit of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos to Dubai Chambers’ headquarters in January. The visit provided an opportunity to further discuss ways to expand cooperation and reinforce the partnership between the two markets.
The newly launched Manila office will work closely with stakeholders across both public and private sectors to enhance business connectivity. It will showcase Dubai’s competitive advantages as a global business hub while offering market intelligence and guidance to Filipino companies looking to establish operations in the emirate.
In addition, the office will support Dubai-based companies seeking to enter the Philippine market by identifying investment opportunities, providing insights into local market conditions, and connecting them with reliable partners to facilitate smooth market entry.
The initiative is part of the wider ‘Dubai Global’ programme, which aims to establish 50 international representative offices by 2030. Through this network, Dubai Chambers seeks to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen trade links, and support the international expansion of Dubai-based businesses across 30 priority markets worldwide.