Continuing the third leg of the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan, First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos spearheaded a high-level engagement today, January 11, 2026, at the Conrad Hotel. The event focused on bridging the gap between the Filipino community (FilCom) leadership and the UAE’s thriving business sector to create sustainable opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The gathering brought together key government officials, Filipino community leaders, and members of the UAE Business Council to discuss the welfare, economic reintegration, and professional growth of Filipinos residing in the Emirates.
A highlight of the session was an address by Marwan Al Marri, Director for the Asian Region of Dubai Chamber International. Al Marri underscored the deepening economic synergy between the two nations, announcing that preparations are underway for the 28th agreement between the Dubai Chamber and the Philippines.
“Dubai consistently ranks number one worldwide in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects,” Al Marri noted, emphasizing that the upcoming agreement—to be signed following engagements in the Philippines—will further solidify Dubai’s role as a global innovation hub for Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals.
During the dialogue, Al Marri encouraged the Filipino community to view Dubai not merely as a workplace, but as a strategic “gateway” for skills transfer and career advancement. He highlighted that the emirate currently holds third place worldwide in global rankings for work attractiveness, making it a premier destination for top-tier Filipino talent.
The First Lady concluded the event with a personal meet-and-greet, engaging directly with FilCom leaders to hear their concerns and aspirations. This dialogue reinforces the Philippine government’s commitment to:
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Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthening the link between the private sector and the OFW community.
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Economic Involvement: Encouraging OFWs to participate in bilateral trade and investment.
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Long-term Welfare: Ensuring that Filipino workers have access to professional growth that extends “beyond borders.”
The Bagong Bayani ng Mundo caravan continues its mission to bring essential government services closer to Filipinos worldwide, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that the “New Heroes” of the Philippines are supported by both their home and host countries.
