Philippines and UAE Forge AI Partnership for Luzon Tech Hub

May 12, 2026

78 min

May 12, 2026 02:31

From CEPA to ‘Pax Silica’: Philippines, UAE drive AI alliance to power Luzon’s 4,000-acre tech hub

## Strategic Partnership

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expanding their economic collaboration through a new strategic technology partnership. This initiative aligns their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) under the "Pax Silica" framework.

## Key Meetings

In recent discussions held in Abu Dhabi, Filipino officials, led by Ceferino Rodolfo from the Department of Trade and Industry, met with UAE representatives, including Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister for Foreign Trade. The focus was on leveraging CEPA to support the Philippines' plan to establish a 4,000-acre AI-centric industrial hub in Luzon, in collaboration with the US.

## Infrastructure and Resources

The proposed hub will be located near New Clark City, close to Clark International Airport in Pampanga. The Philippines aims to utilize its mineral resources and skilled workforce, while the UAE contributes its advanced AI infrastructure and energy systems. This collaboration is expected to enhance both nations' positions in the global digital economy.

## Future Developments

The New Clark City is set to be connected to Manila by a new railway, scheduled for completion in December 2027. This development is part of a broader effort to establish the area as a center for green and smart city initiatives, high-tech industries, and renewable energy.

## Economic Impact

The partnership is anticipated to open new opportunities for Filipino engineers and IT professionals, as the UAE continues to strengthen its leadership in AI. The collaboration also underscores the growing importance of minerals, semiconductors, and AI in the Philippines' economic strategy.

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