Week-Long Programme Deepens UAE–Philippines Cooperation.
Dubai: The Philippines is drawing on the UAE’s government expertise to improve public service delivery, as 27 Filipino government leaders participate in a capacity-building programme focused on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and public sector innovation.
Organised by the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office (UAE GEEO) under the Executive Leadership Programme, the initiative combines virtual learning sessions with field visits, offering participants practical insights into government modernisation and service development.
The study visit took place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from October 11 to 17, giving officials the opportunity to engage with UAE government entities and explore approaches to enhancing public services, strengthening institutional capabilities and improving government performance.
Learning from UAE Government Expertise
The programme covered a range of areas, including digital transformation, AI, public policy innovation, future readiness, government service design, leadership and decision-making.
Mohamed bin Taliah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Experience Exchange, highlighted the importance of sharing expertise and strengthening the capabilities of government leaders through the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange Programme.
He said the visit provided participants in the Philippines Executive Leadership Programme with opportunities to study UAE government practices and gain insights to develop strategic projects and initiatives across different areas of public administration.
Visits to UAE Government Entities
As part of the programme, participants explored the work of 15 government entities and institutions, examining how advanced technologies and innovative approaches can support more efficient operations and improve service delivery.
The organisations visited included the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office, the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Artificial Intelligence Office, the Ministry of Community Empowerment and Abu Dhabi’s TAMM digital government platform.
The delegation also visited the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
These engagements provided participants with insights into digital government services, institutional innovation and approaches to improving public sector performance.
Developing Strategic Projects and Innovative Solutions
Beyond knowledge-sharing sessions and institutional visits, the programme included practical exercises in which participants worked in joint teams to develop strategic projects and innovative initiatives across priority sectors.
The focus areas included investment and economic development, community empowerment, employment opportunities and skills development, digital transformation, AI, government service improvement and public-private partnerships.
Through these collaborative activities, the programme aims to help Filipino officials translate the lessons learned from UAE government practices into initiatives suited to their own public sector priorities, while strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE.
The projects are designed to help participants turn the knowledge and insights gained during the programme into practical initiatives across various areas of government.
Knowledge Exchange
The participating officials included Danielle Marie Rieza-Culangen, deputy executive secretary at the Philippine Office of the Executive Secretary; Erwin Sta. Ana, undersecretary; and Alemar Mosquito, assistant secretary.
In a statement, the Philippine Office of the Executive Secretary thanked the UAE government, particularly the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office (GEEO), for hosting the delegation and sharing its expertise and best practices in public administration.
“The Philippine government extends its sincere appreciation to the government of the United Arab Emirates, particularly the UAE GEEO, for its warm hospitality, generous sharing of knowledge and best practices, and continued commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries,” the office said.
The office added that the partnership reflected the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and the UAE, as well as their shared commitment to innovation and excellence in public service.
Strategic Partnership Covers Six Areas
The UAE and the Philippines established their strategic partnership in February 2026, with collaboration spanning six areas: government performance, capacity building, government innovation, government excellence, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and gender balance.
Since the partnership was launched, the two countries have conducted 104 workshops and strengthened the capabilities of 257 government officials and leaders.
The latest programme builds on these efforts by giving Filipino officials opportunities to learn from UAE government practices, exchange expertise and develop initiatives aimed at enhancing public sector performance and improving service delivery.
