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Pinoys in UAE back Bong Go and Bato in Philippine senate overseas voting

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Filipino voters in the UAE have spoken, and it’s a big win for the PDP-Laban party. Results from the Philippine Senate overseas voting show Senator Bong Go and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa leading the race among Filipinos in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

According to the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec), the UAE once again proved its importance as a key overseas voting post, with the largest number of registered Filipino voters outside the Philippines.

Who Topped the UAE Senate Polls?

Senator Bong Go emerged as the top choice:

  • 17,684 votes in Dubai
  • 9,775 votes in Abu Dhabi

Senator Bato Dela Rosa followed closely:

  • 16,741 votes in Dubai
  • 9,306 votes in Abu Dhabi

Both senators are prominent figures in PDP-Laban, the political party once led by former President Rodrigo Duterte, and continue to enjoy strong support from the overseas Filipino community.

Other PDP-Laban candidates who made it to the top list in both cities include:

  • Raul Lambino
  • Phillip “Ipe” Salvador
  • Jayvee Hinlo
  • Jimmy Bondoc

One surprise in the results was Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial religious leader currently in detention. He placed 8th in Dubai with 8,110 votes and 9th in Abu Dhabi with 4,533 votes.

Low Turnout Despite High Interest

Despite the strong show of support for PDP-Laban, voter turnout was low:

  • Only 20 per cent of registered voters in Abu Dhabi went to the polls (13,234 out of 66,001)
  • In Dubai, turnout was just under 20 per cent (24,742 out of 123,891)

With the UAE home to hundreds of thousands of Filipino expatriates, the low turnout has sparked renewed calls for better voter engagement and easier access to voting facilities.

Why It Matters to Filipinos in the UAE

Overseas absentee voting offers Filipinos abroad a chance to help shape national policy and leadership back home. The strong results for PDP-Laban in the UAE show that many OFWs remain aligned with the party’s pro-OFW stance and legacy.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

Sheikh Mohammed announces new UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and renames Ministry of Economy

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In a major UAE government move, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade and renamed the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed said the decisions were made in consultation with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

“Brothers and sisters, after consultation with my brother, the President of the State, may God protect him, and with his approval, we announce today several changes in the UAE government as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Trade was established in the UAE government and the name of the Ministry of Economy is changed to Ministry of Economy and Tourism,” the Dubai Ruler wrote in his post.  

Key announcements include:

  • The establishment of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade, with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as the minister.
  • The Ministry of Economy is now renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, to reflect its broader scope. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri will continue to lead it.
  • The National Artificial Intelligence System will become an advisory member of the Cabinet, starting January 2026. It will also join the Ministerial Council for Development and the boards of all federal entities and government-owned companies.

The integration of AI into key decision-making bodies aims to enhance policy efficiency, provide real-time technical advice, and support future-focused governance across sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the move aligns with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to innovation, agility, and strategic leadership at all levels of government.

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Dubai-India Travel: Several flights cancelled as Air India cuts services amid safety concerns

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Planning to fly from Dubai to India soon? Check your flight status before heading to the airport. 

Air India has advised travellers to confirm in advance following the cancellation of several flights, including those from Dubai. 

The move is part of a broader cutback in international operations, as the airline conducts safety inspections across its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The inspections follow a recent tragic crash involving one of the aircraft.

Among the cancelled international routes are:

  • AI906 (Dubai–Chennai)
  • AI2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad)

Passengers flying on other airlines and looking to connect to their hometowns via Air India should be aware of the suspension of domestic and other international routes, such as:

  • AI308 (Delhi–Melbourne)
  • AI874 (Pune–Delhi)
  • AI456 (Ahmedabad–Delhi)
  • AI2872 (Hyderabad–Mumbai)
  • AI571 (Chennai–Mumbai)

The cancellations come after Air India announced a 15 per cent cut to international flights operated by its widebody aircraft, effective until at least mid-July. The airline said this temporary reduction is necessary due to ongoing safety inspections following the tragic crash of flight AI171 last week.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner heading from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and approximately 30 people on the ground. Only one person on the aircraft survived. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

In a statement, Tata Group-owned Air India said that 26 of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft have passed inspections and have returned to service. The airline said the cuts are meant to ensure stable operations, improve efficiency, and minimise passenger inconvenience.

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Middle East

DP World ILT20 strikes deal with Kuwait Cricket Board to develop T20 game in region 

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In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

  • Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
  • Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
  • Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
  • Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
  • Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.


“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.


“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.


“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.


“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

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