Nahyan bin Mubarak attends Philippine independence celebration

June 07, 2026 / 4:45 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, and Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, Philippine Consul-General in Dubai, at a massive celebration marking the 128th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines.

Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the grand event drew a crowd of more than 60,000 Filipinos, UAE residents, and visitors, underscoring the deep bilateral ties between both nations and highlighting the UAE's vibrant, inclusive society.

The gathering, organised by the "Emirates Loves Philippines" platform, featured a wide array of cultural and entertainment performances.

Sheikh Nahyan lauds Filipino community as vital to UAE success

Addressing the massive crowd, Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that Philippine Independence Day honors the foundational values of the republic—courage, sacrifice, faith, and a commitment to freedom—qualities he noted are demonstrated daily by the Filipino community in the UAE. Reflecting on his address from the previous year, the Minister stated that his appreciation for their contribution to the nation's socioeconomic fabric has only grown.

Sheikh Nahyan reiterated that the UAE, home to over 200 nationalities, views its cultural diversity as a core strength rooted in mutual respect. He added that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has maintained its national cohesion and stability amid global challenges. He also praised the development vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan described the Filipino community as an essential chapter in the UAE’s success story, noting that submissions to the "Our Life in the UAE" competition beautifully mirrored shared values of family, hard work, and resilience.

Philippine Ambassador commends UAE’s spirit of coexistence

Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver expressed his profound gratitude to the UAE leadership for fostering a secure environment that champions human coexistence and cultural diversity. He emphasized that the scale of the turnout reflects the high standing and respect the Filipino community enjoys across the Emirates.

"This occasion is a chance to celebrate the close ties between our two peoples," Ambassador Ver stated. "It also reflects the deep sense of belonging and gratitude that Filipinos feel toward the UAE, a country that has truly become a second home to hundreds of thousands of our citizens."