Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be visiting Dubai in November, as confirmed by his wife, Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos, during a meeting with Filipino community leaders in the UAE. This visit follows a recent work visit by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Manila, where he met with President Marcos to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation. The Philippines and UAE are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic and bilateral relations established in 1974.
The Filipino expat community in the UAE is eagerly anticipating the visit of President Marcos Jr., as the last sitting Philippine president to visit the country was Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2008. In November last year, Marcos Jr. was scheduled to visit Dubai to attend COP28 but canceled at the last minute due to developments in a hostage situation involving Filipino seafarers. This upcoming visit will mark the first time in 15 years that a Philippine president will meet with the kababayan (countrymen) in the UAE.
The meeting between Araneta-Marcos and Filipino community leaders in Dubai highlights the strong ties between the Philippines and UAE, as both nations work to strengthen cooperation and collaboration. The visit comes as part of efforts to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The presence of Araneta-Marcos during the meeting with Sheikh Abdullah in Manila underscores the importance of the relationship between the Philippines and UAE.
The Filipino community in the UAE is looking forward to President Marcos Jr.’s visit as an opportunity to engage with their leader and discuss issues that are important to them. The visit will provide a platform for dialogue and exchange between the president and the expat community, allowing for the sharing of ideas and priorities. The Filipino expats in the UAE are eager to see their president make a historic visit to the country and engage with the community.
The cancellation of Marcos Jr.’s planned visit to Dubai last year was a disappointment for many in the Filipino community, but the upcoming visit in November presents a new opportunity for engagement and interaction. The president’s visit will be a significant milestone in the relationship between the Philippines and the UAE, demonstrating the commitment to strengthening ties and fostering closer cooperation. The Filipino expats in the UAE are looking forward to welcoming President Marcos Jr. and engaging in meaningful discussions during his visit.
Overall, the upcoming visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Dubai in November presents a significant opportunity for engagement and dialogue between the Filipino expat community in the UAE and their leader. The visit reflects the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and UAE, marking a milestone in the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Filipino community is eagerly anticipating the visit and looks forward to interacting with President Marcos Jr. during his time in Dubai.
