Philippine First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos visits Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Philippine First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta Marcos is in the UAE on a working visit to the country this weekend. Marcos arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (June 27) and was welcomed by Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Here's what transpired from her first visit to the country as First Lady:

Meeting at the palace

On Friday (June 28), a reception for Marcos was held at Qasr Al Bahr Palace in the presence of Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects and Chairperson of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. Marcos and Sheikha Mariam discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and UAE across various fields, especially in culture, arts, and heritage.

Visit to tourist spots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

One of the first tourist spots that the Philippine First Lady visited on Friday was the Qasr Al Watan. Marcos toured The Great Hall that features a 60-metre high dome, one of the most imposing sights of the majestic property. Marcos also visited the Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, considered the largest mosque in the UAE. Marcos used her visit to the UAE to meet with the Filipino community. On Friday, she had lunch with some members of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi's Fish Market International, while on Saturday (June 29), the First Lady gladly obliged for selfies with Filipinos at Dubai Mall where she visited a cafe and a restaurant. She later had lunch with the Filipino community at Kempinski Central Avenue near Dubai Mall, and was hosted by the Philippine Embassy led by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, and the Philippine Consulate, led by Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles. She also visited the Museum of the Future, Dubai's newest museum that houses the world's latest and future innovations in science and technology.

Meeting companies and officials

Getting down to business, the Philippine First Lady on Saturday visited the Emirates Group headquarters with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. As of 2018, Emirates employed more than 4,800 Filipinos. She also visited the Dubai Police's Smart Police Station in Al Wasl. She was accompanied by the Philippine Consul General. A day earlier, she was in Abu Dhabi to meet with officials of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. She was accompanied by her delegation, and also the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Marcos' visit continues high-level exchanges between the Philippines and the UAE to discuss various matters, such as investments, renewable energy, tourism, and transportation. It also comes as the UAE and the Philippines commemorate this year the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations that began in 1974. ICA/Expat Media
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