Dubai-based Filipina community leader Josie Conlu signs the UAE National Pledge and Commitment in Abu Dhabi on May 20, 2026. SUPPLIED

A Dubai-based Filipina community leader has earned national recognition after becoming the only Filipino among 15 people handpicked to sign the UAE National Pledge and Commitment to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Josie Conlu signed the historic pledge during a ceremony on Wednesday (May 20) at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, led by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan. Conlu stood out as the sole Filipino and the only Filipina among the distinguished signatories invited to formally launch the nationwide initiative. In a letter seen by Expat Media, the ministry described the chosen signatories as VVIPs. The event marked the official start of a national campaign inviting citizens and residents to affirm their loyalty, service, responsibility, social cohesion and confidence in the UAE’s future. Speaking to Expat Media after the event, Conlu described the recognition as deeply meaningful. “I am deeply honored to be chosen as one of the first 15 VVIPs to sign the National Pledge and Commitment, a recognition of my contribution and service to the community in the UAE. This moment inspires me even more to continue uniting and uplifting Filipinos while supporting the values of tolerance, loyalty, and coexistence in the UAE,” she said. Conlu is a respected figure within the Filipino community in the UAE and has received multiple awards for her volunteer and community work with Philippine missions and non-profit groups. Through Infinite Communities, she has helped organise the yearly Kalayaan, regarded as the UAE’s largest Philippine Independence Day celebration, which returns to Dubai World Trade Centre on June 7. The Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence said the launch represented an important national milestone. “The launch event marks an important national moment and brings together distinguished leaders, respected public figures and members of the community to affirm the values that unite the UAE: loyalty, service, responsibility, cohesion and confidence in the future,” according to the ministry. The ministry added that Conlu’s inclusion reflected her standing and example in the wider UAE community. “By signing first, you would help open the way for people across the UAE to participate in a common act of loyalty and national belonging,” the invitation read. Speaking during the ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan said the initiative sends a strong global message about the UAE’s unity. “This initiative will send a powerful message to the whole world that we live in a strong, resilient nation blessed with wise leadership and united people and a cohesive society,” he said. The recognition for Conlu drew praise from fellow Filipinos. “Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring, Love, Josie! Congratulations on this outstanding achievement and representing the Filipino community in the UAE's National Pledge signing ceremony,” said Sabreen Apostol. Lou Olvido Parroco added: “You model and carry the commitment of the hundreds of Filipinos here in the UAE.” PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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