Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates Philippines National Day

Hundreds of Filipinos residing in Dubai made their way to Expo 2020 to celebrate their National Day with patriotic fervour on Friday.

A cultural show at the Al Wasl Plaza was followed by a live show by famous Filipino musician, song writer and singer Bamboo.

An eye-catching parade at the Ghaf avenue was the highlight of the evening, with artists giving a wonderful display of the rich culture and tradition of the Philippines. Another gala presentation featuring Filipino artists was staged at Jubilee Park, while a food fest, showcasing the southeast Asian nation’s diverse cuisine was held at the Philippines Pavilion.

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, who was a special invitee, said the over 700,000 Filipinos who call the UAE home have played a vital part in the country’s growth.

He said the Philippines Pavilion reflects the success of its people in the UAE, and helps promote the country’s growth story in infrastructure, IT and eco-tourism, while positioning itself as a key trade partner in the region. “The relationship between our two countries, which was established in the early 1970s, is based on shared visions and mutual respect,” said Al Sayegh, adding that the Philippines is one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia Pacific region and the UAE is keen to explore new areas of cooperation in the public and private sectors within areas of common interest.

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ayaz@khaleejtimes.com