Philippines-UAE ties reach new heights

In 2024, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, an anniversary both governments used to launch a new phase of strategic cooperation.

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On a visit to Abu Dhabi in November—the first by a Philippine leader in more than 15 years—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with UAE President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commenting after: "I reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to further strengthen our bilateral ties."

At the centre of the growing bond between the two nations is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that is currently being finalised. The deal will be the Philippines' first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country and affirms the strength of the existing relationship while unlocking new potential in trade and investment. "This will be a historic milestone for Philippine trade policy," said Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.