President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to depart for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next week for a working visit, Malacañang announced Thursday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President’s visit is scheduled for 12 January and will include the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE.

Castro said the defense agreement will serve as a foundation for cooperation in developing the Philippines’ defense technologies.

She added that Marcos is also scheduled to participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an international forum focused on sustainability, climate action, and economic development, running from 11 to 15 January.

The President is expected to join other heads of state and government in discussions on energy, water, finance, food, and environmental issues.

In addition to the defense agreement, the Philippines and the UAE are expected to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries. CEPA will mark the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country and is expected to expand market access in the region.

Castro said the visit highlights the Marcos administration’s efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Middle Eastern partners while promoting sustainable development and economic cooperation.

“President Marcos Jr. is confident that his upcoming visit to Abu Dhabi will be meaningful and beneficial for the Filipino people,” Castro said.