Strengthening Ties: The Philippines at Arabian Travel Market 2025

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, held at the iconic Dubai World Trade Center, served as a pivotal platform for the Philippine delegation, aiming to bolster trade, tourism, and cultural cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Spearheading the delegation, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was accompanied by Special Envoy for Culture and Arts, Karen Santos, and Special Envoy for Trade and Investments, Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. Their presence highlights the Philippines’ commitment to enhancing its relationships with key partners in the region.

Key Meetings and Collaborations

A highlight of the event was the meeting between the Philippine delegation and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group. His official opening of the 32nd edition of ATM emphasized the significance of this annual gathering for promoting business and tourism in the Middle East. This engagement not only symbolizes mutual respect but also showcases the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to elevate its presence in the global tourism landscape.

Expanding Market Access

During the discussions, Yu-Pimentel underscored the necessity for Filipino businesses to gain broader market access, particularly in sectors such as food exports, technology, infrastructure, and creative industries. “The UAE remains one of our most strategic partners in the region,” she noted, reinforcing the Philippines’ pledge to deepen economic ties and foster greater collaboration.

In 2022, the two nations celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone that set the stage for future growth. The bond between the Philippines and the UAE has flourished, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching an impressive USD 1.08 billion in 2023.

Economic Growth and Investment

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III emphasized the robust relationship between the two countries, noting that the UAE stands as the Philippines’ top investor among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. From 2019 to 2023, UAE investments in the Philippines totaled USD 129.4 million. Such financial backing is vital, especially as the Philippine government continues to create a business-friendly environment aimed at attracting further investments.

Today, the UAE ranks as the Philippines’ 17th largest trading partner and the foremost export market among GCC nations. The Philippines also benefits from a significant number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in the UAE, with around 700,000 Filipinos contributing to both economies.

Cultural Exchange and Tourism

With Filipino brands like Jollibee, Bench, and Chowking becoming household names in the UAE, cultural exchange is thriving. Over 33,000 UAE citizens visited the Philippines in 2023 alone, while more than 301,000 Filipinos traveled to the UAE in the latter half of the year. The convenience of 56 direct flights operating between the two countries signals the potential for increased visitation, further enriching the cultural tapestry of both nations.

Conclusion

The Philippine delegation’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025 exemplifies the ongoing efforts to nurture and expand bilateral relationships with the UAE. Through strategic dialogues and collaborations, both nations stand to benefit significantly, paving the way for a prosperous future in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. With a foundation built over five decades, the Philippines and the UAE are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving global marketplace.