Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a major celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence “Kalayaan 2025.”
The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and organised by the “Emirates Loves Philippines” platform in collaboration with Dubai Police, brought together over 40,000 members of the Filipino community in the UAE, along with government officials, diplomats, and social and economic figures from the community.
In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak congratulated the Filipino community on this important national day, saying," I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence."
"On behalf of the people of the United Arab Emirates, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to the people of the Philippines here and around the world. This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It is a day of pride, and one you have every reason to celebrate."
He added that the UAE is pleased to call the Philippines a close friend and valued partner.
"Across this nation, and across the decades, hundreds of thousands of Filipino people have left their mark. Your knowledge, skills, creativity, and compassion have enriched many sectors of our society – from healthcare and education to hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts."
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised that although our two countries may be separated by geography, we are united by shared values: openness, optimism, mutual respect, and a belief in the dignity of every individual.
He noted that the UAE’s success story is a shared story.
"We are a global crossroads. A place where more than 200 nationalities live and work side by side. A place where peace and prosperity are made possible by welcoming people from every walk of life."
He affirmed that under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and of all of our national leaders, the country has embraced human fraternity, coexistence, compassion, and achievement as national pillars.
“This celebration today,” Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak stated, “is a reflection of that vision. It is a reflection of how the UAE honours every culture and every heritage that we host in our country, as well as the role that each community plays in building this great nation.”
He went on to say, “In that spirit of inclusion, unity, and celebration, I would like to share with you a new national initiative that is very close to my heart.”
Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said that as Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, a writing competition titled “What the UAE Means to Me” has been launched.
He clarified that this initiative, aligned with the Year of Community, is a call to every resident – young and old, citizens and expatriates, professionals and students – to share their story and their voice.
“This competition,” he explained, “invites participants to reflect on what the UAE has meant to them. Submissions can be a short story, a poem, a letter, an essay, or another creative expression, and written in either Arabic or English.”
He expressed confidence that many of the most moving and powerful entries will come from the Filipino community – from those who arrived with a dream and built a future, from mothers and fathers raising families, from nurses and teachers, from innovators and caregivers, and from artists and engineers.
“Your stories matter,” Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised, “and the rest of us would love to hear from you,” urging everyone to visit the website www.myuaestory.ae and submit their entries.
He called on the audience, saying, “Please encourage your families, your children, your co-workers, and your neighbors. Invite them to put into words their experience of life in the UAE. Let your stories inspire others, and let your words help express what makes our country so uniquely united in diversity.”
He further stated that winning entries will be published in two commemorative book series, one in Arabic and one in English, and winners will be celebrated at a major national ceremony and will receive meaningful prizes.
“This is more than a competition,” he concluded. “It is a legacy. It is a national expression of who we are, together.”
In closing, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak reiterated his deepest thanks and warmest congratulations, saying that the Filipino community represents everything the UAE stands for courage, generosity, family, achievement, and the belief that when we come together across cultures and borders, we can build a more tolerant, inclusive, and prosperous world.
“As I look around this joyful celebration tonight,” he remarked, “I see the colours, sounds, and soul of the Philippines, right here in the UAE. It makes me happy to stand with you. And it fills me with pleasure to be part of your celebration.”
“What the UAE Means to Me” Writing Competition
The “What the UAE Means to Me” writing competition, supported by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan invites UAE citizens and residents to share their personal stories and experiences, celebrating the nation’s vibrant culture, heritage, and values of tolerance.
Participants can submit entries in various formats—short stories, articles, Nabati and classical poetry, reflections, or letters, focusing on their connection to the UAE’s cohesive community and national identity.
This initiative aims to strengthen social bonds, promote cultural diversity, and foster pride in the UAE’s unique qualities.
Selected writings will be published and widely distributed, amplifying voices that embody the UAE’s spirit of unity and coexistence, making it a meaningful contribution to community engagement and national pride.
Also speaking at the event, Honourable Hans Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, said, "Kalayaan not only commemorates our independence but also highlights the strong partnership that enables Filipinos to contribute meaningfully to both nations."
Supported by The Philippine Business Council - Dubai and Northern Emirates, Dubai Police, and Dubai Immigration, the event was further distinguished by the attendance of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.
The event also saw the attendance of Honourable Arvic V. Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi; Honourable Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates; and Manal Obaid bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank.
Performances by renowned artists from The Filipino Channel, including Kai Montinola, Jarren Garcia, Julia Barretto, and Mj Cayabyab of VIVAONE, electrified the crowd, showcasing the incredible talents of the Filipino community.
The event also featured cultural and modern performances from Filipino artists across the UAE, as well as contributions from Filipino businesses and small-scale entrepreneurs.
"Kalayaan is an event by the community for the community. It has become the ultimate showcase of the best of the Filipino spirit, uniting us all in celebration," said Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite Communities.
The 12-hour celebration was a vibrant tribute to the Filipino spirit, during which attendees enjoyed a wide range of cultural, musical, and traditional performances.
The programme featured singing, folk dancing, kids’ entertainment zones, cosplay shows, video gaming corners, art exhibitions, food stalls serving Filipino favourites, and a dedicated education area for Filipino schools.
Shows included an exciting stunt bike, raffles, and the special “Cargo Village” area, a space that brought together leading shipping companies under the umbrella of the Philippine Business Council.
The event highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and the Philippines, and reflected the respect, appreciation, and space that the UAE gives to all communities living on its land.
It was a celebration of cultural diversity, tolerance, and the friendships that make the UAE a home for all.
The strong bond between the two countries predates official diplomatic relations, which were formally established on August 19, 1974.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi opened in 1980, followed by the UAE Embassy in Manila in 1989.
Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly, and today the UAE is home to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who play a vital role in many key sectors and in the country’s continued development journey.
