Dubai International Chamber opens Manila office

THE Dubai International Chamber has opened its Manila office on April 13, as it seeks to boost trade and investment ties with the Philippines.

The office aims to support Dubai-based companies looking to expand to the Philippines through market insights, investment opportunities, and linkages to local partners.

“The Manila office will support Filipino companies in exploring opportunities in Dubai and expanding their international presence,” Dubai Chambers President and Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah said in a statement on Wednesday.

As of last year, Filipino companies that are members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 2,592, representing a 23.3% annual increase. In 2025 alone, 856 new Filipino companies joined the group.

The chamber’s Manila office will seek to help Philippines- and Dubai-based firms grow their cross-border operations through public-private collaborations, providing market intelligence, and partnerships.

In 2025, non-oil bilateral trade between the Philippines and Dubai grew by 17% to AED3.58 billion.

The United Arab Emirates is the Philippines’ 17^th largest trading partner. Goods traded between the two markets include crude petroleum, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, industrial printers, asphalt, fruits, and baked goods.

Last year, the chamber signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen cooperation, boost trade relations, and explore new areas for collaboration.

The launch of the Dubai chamber’s Manila office aligns with the “Dubai Global” initiative — which aims to establish 50 representative offices worldwide by 2030 and support the expansion of its companies into 30 priority markets. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz