18 February 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi is pleased to announce that Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG), a conglomerate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on strategic alliance with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to develop tourism-related projects on January 08, in Manila Peninsula, Makati City.

Al Ahli Holding Group also signed franchising agreements to bring six Philippine franchises namely Binalot, Jay-J’s Chicken Inasal, Fruitas, Mochicreme, Zagu, Fiftea – to the UAE under one roof to be called “Little Manila.” AAHG plans to open the first outlet of Little Manila in Dubai by the end of the first quarter of this year 2015 to be marketed as a prime Filipino food destination showcasing the best of Philippine cuisine. The second phase is to establish 20 more branches over the next two years across the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the “strategic alliance” agreement between AAHG and BCDA is in preparation for a final memorandum of agreement (MOA) for AAHG’s big businesses that will be located in Clark Green City as well as possible opportunities in Metro Manila. The partnership would involve projects related to the tourism industry, family entertainment as well as meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).

The signing comes after economic diplomacy efforts by the Country Team Philippines in the UAE with the Al Ahli Holding Group since July 2014.

Upon witnessing the signing of the agreements, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Grace Relucio Princesa said, “The event today reflects that with the unity of the Country Team, economic diplomacy efforts will eventually bear fruit. We look forward to the future investment of Al Ahli Holding Group that will benefit the Philippines and the Filipino people.”

On the franchising agreements, Ambassador Princesa said, “The introduction of six Philippine food and beverage brands to the UAE will not only cater to the Filipinos in the Emirates but also to the other expatriates who can now try the different gastronomic delights of Filipinos under one roof, Little Manila.”

Al Ahli Holding Group is based in Dubai, UAE but has global presence spread over 20 countries in different continents. Aside from being owner of Dubai Outlet Mall, it also has companies delving on manufacturing, lifestyle and fitness, retail and trading, and gaming and entertainment. END