DTI Dubai

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai extends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Abdulrazagh Mohammadi (Abu Nader), owner of the Philippine Supermarket.

Mr. Abu Nader was a deeply valued, long-time partner of PTIC Dubai and a true champion of the Filipino community in the UAE. He often said he was "Filipino in his heart", a sentiment he lived out daily by creating platforms for Philippine products to thrive in the region.

Through many years of close partnership with PTIC Dubai, he opened commercial doors for Filipino brands and genuinely supported the welfare of Filipino enterprises.

We honor his legacy of generosity, partnership, and shared vision. He will be remembered with the highest respect as we carry on his passion for promoting Philippine trade and supporting our community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire management and staff of the Philippine Supermarket.

Just 2 days left until the flavors, stories, and innovations of Philippine tropical food take center stage at IFEX Philippines 2026.

From emerging brands to globally loved export products, get ready to explore what’s next in food, beverage, and ingredients sourcing.

The countdown is almost over. See you soon at IFEX Philippines 2026!

Register as a visitor: https://citem.ph/p/4e0746

Visit IFEX Philippines 2026:
📅 21-23 May
🌎 World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City, Philippines
🕒 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Ticket discounts are given at registration counters to the following with proper identification or proof provided:
- General Public Rate (₱200)
- Senior Citizens & Persons with Disabilities (₱150)
- Students (₱100)
- Government Employees (FREE)

Learn more: https://citem.ph/p/24719d
Register as an IFEXConnect trade buyer: https://citem.ph/p/6eb35c

* * *
IFEX Philippines is a signature event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Behind every great dish is a story of identity, culture, and the drive to innovate. Swipe through to meet the culinary masters who are raising the bar.

For three days, IFEX Kitchen is bringing together the country’s remarkable culinary stars–from local masters keeping traditions alive to chefs helming Michelin-recognized and internationally acclaimed kitchens around the world.

These icons are taking our high-value tropical ingredients and reframing how global audiences experience Filipino flavors. Bringing home perspectives and techniques from Australia, Canada, Italy, the UAE, and the UK, they will be cooking side-by-side to showcase a unique gastronomic fusion.

From celebrating the rich heritage flavors of regional culinary traditions to exploring the modern presentation of the global diaspora, you will witness our local food story unfold live.

***

Mark your calendar as IFEX Philippines, the country's BIGGEST business-to-business and export-oriented international trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients, returns on 21-23 May 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. This signature event is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Learn more: https://citem.ph/p/24719d
Register as an IFEXConnect trade buyer: https://citem.ph/p/6eb35c
Register as a visitor: https://citem.ph/p/4e0746

A First Look at Casa Filipina - Home of Philippine Products in the UAE.

Casa Filipina is a pioneering initiative of DMJ Ecospace, dedicated in bringing and introducing Philippine home decor & lifestyle craftsmanship to the UAE & GCC region. As a sourcing body for Philippine lifestyle products in the region, Casa Filipina features authentic, sustainable and world-class Filipino home decor and lifestyle products and brands, such as Calfurn, 51 Weather, Selindra, Prizmic & Brill, Red Slab, Uratex, among others.

Visit the showroom at:
📍 Mezzanine Floor, The Garden Concept, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
🕒 Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm
🔗 Discover the collection: https://dmjecospace.com/

A First Look at Casa Filipina - Home of Philippine Products in the UAE.

Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai Trade Commissioner Vichael Roaring visited Casa Filipina’s showroom in Dubai on 14 May 2026 and met with Casa Filipina’s Founder & Managing Director Marilou Joson, Director for Operations, Projects & Design Green Limbaga, and The Garden Concept Operations Manager Deo Mortel.

Casa Filipina is a pioneering initiative of DMJ Ecospace, dedicated in bringing and introducing Philippine home decor & lifestyle craftsmanship to the UAE & GCC region. As a sourcing body for Philippine lifestyle products in the region, Casa Filipina features authentic, sustainable and world-class Filipino home decor and lifestyle products and brands, such as Calfurn, 51 Weather, Selindra, Prizmic & Brill, Red Slab, Uratex, among others.

Visit the showroom at:
📍 Mezzanine Floor, The Garden Concept, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
🕒 Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm
🔗 Discover the collection: https://dmjecospace.com/



DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps
DTI Export Marketing Bureau
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions

READ: From CEPA to ‘Pax Silica’: Philippines, UAE drive AI alliance to power Luzon’s 4,000-acre tech hub

From CEPA to ‘Pax Silica’: Philippines, UAE drive AI alliance to power Luzon’s 4,000-acre tech hub Pax Silica framework positions PH-UAE as emerging partners in global digital economy

READ: Philippines, UAE forge tech alliance under USA-led ‘Pax Silica’ initiative

Philippines, UAE forge tech alliance under USA-led ‘Pax Silica’ initiative The Philippines is strengthening its energy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) footprint; and, relative to its April accession to the USA-led Pax Silica...

READ: PHILIPPINES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DEEPEN STRATEGIC COOPERATION ON CEPA AND AI DEVELOPMENT UNDER PAX SILICA

ABU DHABI, 04 MAY 2026 – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo met with UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss strategic cooperation under the recently signed Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and align AI strategies in connection with the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

The high-level discussion follows the Philippines’ recent accession to the Pax Silica alliance and the announcement of a partnership with the United States to establish a 4,000-acre AI-native industrial acceleration hub in Luzon.

Both sides underscored that access to water, power, and AI technologies are critical infrastructure to support massive requirements of the Luzon AI-native hub. Minister Al Zeyoudi, the lead UAE signatory for PH-UAE CEPA, and Undersecretary Rodolfo discussed how UAE’s advanced infrastructure can support high-end AI processing and energy solutions to strengthen AI development in Philippines. Minister Al Zeyoudi further shared insights on integrating AI tools to boost trade and accelerate investments flows. “There is strong complementarity between Philippine mineral resources, skilled workforce, strong semiconductor and chip manufacturing sector and UAE’s capital-intensive AI infrastructure," said Undersecretary Rodolfo. "As we build the Luzon AI-native hub, our partnership under CEPA and the Pax Silica framework ensures that both nations remain at the forefront of the global digital economy."

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver added that mutual inclusion in the Pax Silica alliance is a force multiplier for existing bilateral agreements. “PH’s accession in the Pax Silica alliance, where UAE is also a key party, further solidifies our bilateral trade and investment frameworks, such as the CEPA and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA). This signifies that Philippines and the UAE are no longer just traditional trading partners; they are now strategic tech-allies", said Ambassador Ver.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, the lead PH signatory for PH-UAE CEPA, emphasized that high-level visits to the UAE have been productive in bridging strategic interests of both nations. “Collective efforts made by the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in the UAE, mark the country’s strong commitment to enhance our economic ties”, stated by Secretary Roque.

Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investments Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel added “The CEPA that we recently signed made these meaningful discussions possible. The agreement provides the framework for stronger cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. We thank His Highness Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for his steadfast and sincere commitment to helping the Philippines. As the UAE is a global leader in artificial intelligence, Filipino engineers, IT professionals, and innovators stand to benefit greatly from this growing partnership. Furthermore, it supports the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to position the Philippines as a future regional hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technology.”

Underecretary Rodolfo was in the region to participate in an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Critical Minerals Forum and visit countries in the Pax Silica alliance. While in UAE, the Undersecretary also met with key partners in the UAE’s energy and high-tech sectors.

PH, UAE strengthen cooperation on CEPA, AI development under Pax Silica - The Filipino Times The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are deepening cooperation on trade and artificial intelligence development following high-level talks between