UAE firms interested in Philippines RE, data centers

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January 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Two firms from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are looking to invest in renewable energy (RE) and data center projects in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the Philippine delegation that recently visited UAE, met with firms including Masdar and the DAMAC Group.

During the meeting with Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and head of Development and Investment for Asia-Pacific Fatima Al Suwaidi, discussions covered opportunities for collaboration in the clean energy sector in the Philippines.

Roque said Masdar is looking at three sites in Bohol for potential projects.

While Masdar can finance, manage and operate RE projects, Roque said the firm is also open to partnerships for undertaking projects.

She said the firm is interested in the Philippines given the country’s large market.

“RE and associated infrastructure are among the highest priorities for foreign investors, reflecting the Philippines’ commitment to becoming a regional hub for clean-energy investment,” she said.

To meet rising electricity demand and strengthen energy security, she said the government is actively accelerating the implementation and deployment of RE projects and related infrastructure.

Apart from Masdar, she said the government also met with DAMAC, which is looking to build a data center in Laguna.

She said the Philippine delegation also met with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) to discuss opportunities to expand its presence in the country.

ADNOC is involved in the Philippine energy sector through its logistics arm, which supports the country’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal in Batangas.

The firm also previously engaged in spot tendering with local firms like First Gen Corp. and San Miguel Corp.

The Philippine delegation was in the UAE earlier this month for the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.

Roque said the CEPA is expected to boost the country’s export performance, with about 95 percent of Philippine exports to the UAE to enjoy preferential tariff treatment or zero tariff under the agreement.

Products that will benefit from the CEPA include personal care and cosmetic items such as hair creams and deodorants; food products like canned tuna, sardines, snacks and condiments; electronic equipment; automotive and aircraft parts and textile and apparel products.

Roque said the CEPA is also expected to help encourage more investments to the Philippines.