16/09/2026
08 September 2026, Dubai – Philippine missions in the UAE, led by Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver and assisted by Consul Paola Belle D. Ebora of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, sought out avenues for synergies and opportunities with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in its briefing entitled, “Expanding from Southeast Asia through Dubai” at Almas Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai.
The event, which gathered the ASEAN diplomatic corps as well as business leaders from the ASEAN Business Council Alliance (including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines) provided insights into how ASEAN businesses can leverage its ecosystem as a launchpad for growth especially for companies seeking access to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
With the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January 2026, the Philippines looks into boosting bilateral non-oil commerce with the UAE.
“(The Philippines) is developing to become a major industry player in the AI and semiconductor industry. It’s a dual path, moving up the supply value chain from assembly to advanced technology and eventually, wafer fabrication,” shared Ambassador Ver during the session.
He further noted that this aligns with global interest in securing chip supplies as part of the Pax Silica framework, where the UAE is also a signatory and inquired with Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, regarding the possible partnerships that can be explored by both sides to which DMCC answered with confidence.
“DMCC has an advantage. We may not be able to invest big, like some of the other players/partners, but when it comes to ecosystem establishment, we lead. We have a strong AI community and it’s growing and attracting AI services and businesses. We’re not opposed to looking at other areas of opportunities,” said Mr. Bin Sulayem.
The briefing also included a panel discussion wherein representatives from the ASEAN Business Council Alliance participated as resource speakers. Ms. Mariben Christine Eustaquio, Founder and Managing Director of business consultancy firm EZONE and board member of the Philippine Business Council-Dubai and Northern Emirates, represented the Philippines at the discussion.
Ms. Eustaquio discussed the practical realities of setting up and scaling a business in the UAE, noting the importance of adaptability when facing shifting market demands, regional dynamics, and internal business changes. She also discussed the reason companies are choosing Dubai as an international hub for global expansion and addressed the common misconceptions companies have prior to entering the market, highlighting Dubai’s strategic value beyond basic regulatory setup.
DMCC currently hosts over 600 Southeast Asian companies, with the Philippines ranking third with 81 companies, next to Malaysia and Singapore. The top business sectors where the Philippines has presence include: shipping and logistics, general trading, energy, media, and professional services. END.
