UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. ARCHIVE

The UAE"s top leaders have extended their congratulations to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Filipinos around the world marked the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day on Friday (June 12). UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to Marcos on the occasion, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also conveyed similar messages. In his Independence Day message, Marcos called on Filipinos to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes by working together for the common good and helping build a stronger Philippines. Marcos urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the country’s history and continue building a Philippines "worthy of the sacrifices that secured our sovereignty and of the dreams and aspirations that gave birth to our Republic.”

Burj Khalifa and ADNOC headquarters to shine in Philippine colours

As part of the celebrations, two of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks were set to illuminate in the colours of the Philippine flag on Friday evening. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai was scheduled to display the Philippine flag at 8:10pm, followed by a special illumination of the ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi at 8:30pm. The annual tribute has become one of the most anticipated Philippine Independence Day traditions in the UAE, drawing thousands of Filipinos and supporters each year. According to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the display reflects the strong friendship and growing cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. “Join us in marking this significant historical milestone and celebrating the shared ties that continue to strengthen relations between our two countries,” according to the Philippine Embassy. Since 2019, the Burj Khalifa has been illuminated in the colours of the Philippine flag every June, symbolising the enduring partnership between the two nations and the contributions of the Filipino community in the Emirates. The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare of Filipinos in the UAE and strengthening bilateral ties. “As we celebrate this important milestone, the Embassy reaffirms its commitment to promoting the welfare of the Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE,” according to the embassy.

UAE minister praises Filipino community

Earlier this week, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan delivered a special Independence Day message during Kalayaan 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday (June 7). Addressing thousands of attendees, Sheikh Nahyan praised Filipinos for their contributions to the UAE’s development and described them as an important part of the country’s success story. “The Filipino community has become an important part of the UAE’s success. Through your contributions across every sector, you have strengthened our country and support its continued progress,” he said. Sheikh Nahyan also praised the values demonstrated by Filipinos living and working in the Emirates. “The Philippines is a nation whose destiny is shaped by talents, strengthened by sacrifice, sustained by faith, reinforced by dedication,” he said. “These are the values we see every day in the lives of Filipinos who live and work with us in the United Arab Emirates.” The Philippines and the UAE continue to enjoy strong diplomatic, economic and socio-economie ties, with nearly one million Filipinos calling the Emirates home. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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