First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos met with officials of Dubai Chambers to explore new opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in both the UAE and the Philippines.

She described Dubai Chambers as “a key institution supporting over 150,000 businesses and helping position Dubai as a global hub for trade and investment,” noting that it could serve as a bridge for partnerships, market access, and knowledge-sharing for Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

“It’s always encouraging to see collaboration turn into possibilities,” she said, highlighting how closer ties with Dubai’s business community could lead to investments, mentoring, and joint ventures for Filipino startups and service providers.

The discussions, the First Lady said, focused on ways Filipino-owned companies can tap into Dubai’s logistics, tourism, and services sectors, as well as how UAE-based investors might participate in growth areas back home, including outsourcing, creative industries and technology.

She said that Filipino professionals in finance, hospitality, and healthcare could also benefit from Dubai Chambers’ network, gaining access to training, networking, and cross-border projects aligned with the Marcos administration’s push to support MSMEs and overseas Filipino workers.

On the sidelines, Mrs. Marcos met with leaders of the Filipino community in the UAE to personally thank them for their “tireless and steadfast support” for the administration.

“Over lunch, we shared stories, listened to their journeys, and talked about how we can better care for our kababayan in the UAE. No matter where we are in the world, our bayanihan spirit truly lives on,” she said, emphasizing key concerns like welfare protection, legal assistance, and livelihood programs for OFWs.

She closed by expressing her gratitude: “Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your unwavering love for the Philippines,” underlining the Palace’s view that overseas Filipinos remain central partners in promoting the country’s image and economic interests abroad.