Kalayaan 2025: UAE and Filipino Community Celebrate 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Dubai
DUBAI, 1st June, 2025 — A joyous celebration of Filipino culture and heritage unfolded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 40,000 attendees in honor of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, known as Kalayaan 2025. Hosted by the “Emirates Loves Philippines” platform in collaboration with Dubai Police, the event became a vibrant showcase of solidarity, cultural unity, and meaningful partnerships between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Philippines.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with diplomats, social figures, and Filipino professionals from various sectors.
In his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan said:
“I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.”
“On behalf of the people of the United Arab Emirates, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to the people of the Philippines here and around the world. This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It is a day of pride, and one you have every reason to celebrate.”
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the close friendship and partnership the UAE shares with the Philippines, stating that the Filipino community’s contributions have positively impacted key areas such as healthcare, education, hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
He underlined the unifying values shared between both nations: “Although our two countries may be separated by geography, we are united by shared values: openness, optimism, mutual respect, and a belief in the dignity of every individual.”
Reflecting on the UAE’s multicultural society, he added:
“This celebration today is a reflection of that vision. It is a reflection of how the UAE honors every culture and every heritage that we host in our country, as well as the role that each community plays in building this great nation.”
Sheikh Nahyan also announced a new national initiative – a writing competition titled “What the UAE Means to Me”, launched in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan and aligning with the Year of Community.
“This competition,” he said, “invites participants to reflect on what the UAE has meant to them. Submissions can be a short story, a poem, a letter, an essay, or another creative expression, and written in either Arabic or English.”
Urging residents to participate, Sheikh Nahyan remarked:
“Your stories matter,” and encouraged the community to visit the platform: www.myuaestory.ae.
“Please encourage your families, your children, your co-workers, and your neighbors. Invite them to put into words their experience of life in the UAE. Let your stories inspire others, and let your words help express what makes our country so uniquely united in diversity.”
Winning entries will be published in commemorative editions in Arabic and English, with recipients honored at a national event and awarded significant prizes. “This is more than a competition,” Sheikh Nahyan concluded. “It is a legacy. It is a national expression of who we are, together.”
Also speaking on stage, the Honourable Hans Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, underscored the strength of bilateral relations:
“Kalayaan not only commemorates our independence but also highlights the strong partnership that enables Filipinos to contribute meaningfully to both nations.”
The event was supported by the Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates, with notable attendance from Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; Honourable Arvic V. Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi; and Honourable Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Adding warmth and creativity to the occasion were cultural and contemporary performances by acclaimed Filipino artists such as Kai Montinola, Jarren Garcia, Julia Barretto, and Mj Cayabyab of VIVAONE, as well as talented performers from across the UAE.
A full day of festivities featured folk dances, musical acts, art exhibits, and cosplay shows, plus dedicated areas for children’s entertainment, video gaming, and an “Education Zone” for Filipino schools. In addition, the event hosted a special “Cargo Village” organized by the Philippine Business Council, providing a space for Filipino shipping companies and SMEs to connect with the community.
“This event,” said Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite Communities, “has become the ultimate showcase of the best of the Filipino spirit, uniting us all in celebration.”
More than just a commemoration, Kalayaan 2025 captured the essence of the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and the Philippines — a friendship dating back before the establishment of official diplomatic relations in 1974. With the UAE now home to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, their contributions continue to shape the nation’s ongoing development.
Sheikh Nahyan closed with heartfelt gratitude:
“As I look around this joyful celebration tonight, I see the colors, sounds, and soul of the Philippines, right here in the UAE. It makes me happy to stand with you. And it fills me with pleasure to be part of your celebration.”
“The Filipino community represents everything the UAE stands for: courage, generosity, family, achievement, and the belief that when we come together across cultures and borders, we can build a more tolerant, inclusive, and prosperous world.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
