Meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates

Witnessing the Signing and Exchange of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi January 13, 2026 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), witnessed the signing and exchange of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on January 13, 2026. This is the Philippines’ first trade deal with a Middle Eastern nation and its first linkage with a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is envisioned to increase Philippine exports of goods and services to the UAE and facilitate expanded trade flows to nearby Gulf and African countries. CEPA encompasses areas such as goods and services, investments, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), digitalization, customs, governance and sustainability, among others. Among the top Philippine exports to the UAE are electrical equipment, food products, iron and steel, mineral fuels and machinery. Products covered under the CEPA include agricultural, industrial, machinery and electronics. The CEPA will facilitate increased investment in the Philippines, especially from the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), and is expected to create opportunities for Dubai companies to invest in the country. The Philippine Government seeks to attract new investment into the manufacturing sector, particularly in export-focused activities. After the CEPA signing, President Marcos Jr. and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a brief meeting. This is the second meeting between the two leaders since their initial meeting in November 2024. ***** Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang