Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, participated in a significant celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence, known as ‘Kalayaan 2025’. The event was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and organized by the ‘Emirates Loves Philippines’ platform in collaboration with Dubai Police, drawing over 40,000 members of the Filipino community in the UAE, as well as government officials, diplomats, and community leaders.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his congratulations to the Filipino community for this notable occasion. He stated, “I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.” He extended warm congratulations on behalf of the UAE, highlighting the enduring spirit of resilience and community that the day represents.
Sheikh Nahyan acknowledged the strong ties between the UAE and the Philippines, noting the contributions of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts. He emphasized shared values like openness and mutual respect that unite the two nations despite geographical distances.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan introduced a writing competition titled ‘What the UAE Means to Me’, in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan. This initiative invites residents to share their stories, with entries accepted in various forms and languages. He expressed confidence in receiving impactful submissions from the Filipino community, encouraging participation to celebrate the UAE’s spirit of unity and coexistence.
The event also featured remarks from Honourable Hans Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, who underscored the strong partnership between the two countries. Support for the event came from notable entities such as The Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates, Dubai Police, and Dubai Immigration.
Distinguished attendees included Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Honourable Arvic V. Arevalo, and Honourable Marford Angeles. The celebration was enlivened by performances from Filipino artists and contributions from various Filipino businesses.
Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite Communities, described the event as a showcase of the Filipino spirit, uniting everyone in celebration. The 12-hour program included cultural performances, entertainment zones, and a special ‘Cargo Village’ area, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and the Philippines.
The event underscored the cultural diversity and mutual respect that characterize UAE-Philippines relations. Diplomatic ties between the two countries have expanded significantly since being established in 1974, with Filipinos playing a crucial role in the UAE’s development.
