PBBM Heads to UAE for Working Visit, Set to Sign Historic Deals

President Ferdinand Marcos will depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, January 12, for a working visit that will include the signing of landmark agreements, Malacañang announced. The President is scheduled to stay in Abu Dhabi until January 14.

During his visit, Marcos will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, taking place from January 11 to 15, where leaders from government, business, and society will discuss measures to advance global sustainability.

The President is also expected to sign two key deals with the UAE—the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.

According to Malacañang, CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country and is intended to expand the nation’s market access in the region. Meanwhile, the Defense Cooperation Memorandum “will serve as a solid foundation for cooperation with the UAE to further develop the country’s defense technologies.”

During his working visit, Marcos will join other heads of state and government from various countries to discuss critical issues related to energy, water, financial matters, food, and the environment. The President’s visit comes at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the launch of the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan” in Dubai on Sunday, January 11.

"First Lady Liza Marcos officially launched the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan' in Dubai, UAE to cater our Overseas Filipino Workers," Special Envoy for Trade and Investment to the UAE Kathryna Yu-Pimentel said in a Facebook post on Sunday.