The Filipino Times unveils country-level dates for 2025 Watchlist Awards
The Filipino Times has officially set the country-level dates for its 2025 Watchlist Awards, casting a spotlight on the most distinguished Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals working across the Middle East.
For the first time, the acclaimed awards program will honor outstanding Filipino professionals in each country before they advance to the regional competition, bringing recognition closer to Filipino communities in the region.
Saudi Arabia will kick off the series, hosting the awarding for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on June 20 for engineers and architects, followed by healthcare professionals on June 21.
Next in line, Qatar will gather winners from Qatar and Kuwait on August 8 for engineers and architects, and on August 9 for healthcare professionals.
The UAE will wrap up the country-level ceremonies, recognizing top talents from the UAE and Oman on November 21 for engineers and architects, and November 22 for healthcare professionals.
Country winners will contend for the regional titles next year, with the Middle East's top engineers and architects announced on March 29, 2026, and top healthcare professionals on March 30, 2026 — marking another milestone in celebrating Filipino excellence worldwide.
This step responds to strong community support and follows global standards, ensuring that more Filipino professionals in the Middle East are recognized for their contributions.
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UAE cements its position as global destination for attracting FDI with total inflows of Dh167.6 billion in 2024
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Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced foreign direct investment projects. Our next goal is to attract Dh 1.3 trillion in foreign direct investment over the next six years, God willing.'His Highness continued: 'Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.'Despite a global slowdown in greenfield FDI project growth to 0.8%, the UAE achieved a remarkable 2.8% growth, solidifying its position as a key destination for investment flows. Total capital for announced greenfield FDI projects in 2024 reached Dh53.3 billion ($ 14.5 billion).The UAE ranked second globally, after the United States, in attracting greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 new projects announced in Ministry of Investment leads these efforts by enabling investment in key sectors, providing a flexible and competitive environment for global capital, and acting as a trusted partner for international investors. 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The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors' needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital.'He added: 'The UAE's investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE's position as a leading global FDI destination. We provide a clear pathway to drive sustainable growth, double investment opportunities, diversify priority sectors, and open new horizons for global companies seeking innovation and expansion in future markets.'The strong performance of key economic sectors boosted the upward trajectory of announced greenfield FDI projects in the UAE. Software and IT services led announced FDI greenfield project values (11.5%), followed by business services (9.7%), renewable energy (9.3%), coal, oil, and gas (9%), and real estate (7.8%).The energy sector attracted Dh4.8 billion $1.3 billion in greenfield FDI, advancing the UAE's national goal to triple renewable energy production capacity by UAE's supportive investment policies and robust strategic partnerships have solidified its position as a primary destination for foreign capital in the region, capturing approximately 37% of the region's FDI inflows in UAE continues to attract top global talent, driven by policies supporting its investment strategy, including full foreign ownership in mainland companies, a competitive 9% corporate tax rate, streamlined licensing procedures, and enhanced legal policies have fostered a favourable investment climate, while strong legal frameworks, such as the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, have bolstered investor confidence and safeguarded their UAE ranks fifth globally in attracting highly skilled talent (per the 2024 Global Talent Competitiveness Index by INSEAD) and third in attracting AI talent (per Stanford University's 2024 AI Index), reinforcing its status as a leading hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, and partnerships are another key driver of investment attraction, with 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties supporting the investment momentum is underpinned by the UAE's significant investments in digital transformation, exemplified by the $ 1.5 billion joint venture between Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based G42 to advance AI capabilities and set new standards for National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to double annual FDI inflows by 2031, targeting Dh 2.2 trillion cumulative FDI by 2031, as per the National Investment Strategy (NIS). 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a day ago
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The Filipino Times Watchlist 2025 is set to make history with its first-ever two-day celebration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recognizing the most outstanding Filipino professionals in engineering, architecture, and healthcare across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Taking place on June 20–21, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in Riyadh, this landmark event marks a significant expansion of the prestigious awards beyond the UAE. Day 1 – Engineering and Architecture (June 20, 2025): The TFT Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 will spotlight Filipino professionals whose innovation, leadership, and technical excellence have made a lasting impact on the region's built environment and infrastructure development. Day 2 – Healthcare (June 21, 2025): The TFT Watchlist: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 will honor Filipino leaders in healthcare who are elevating patient care, medical innovation, health education, and clinical standards in the region. A distinguished panel of judges—leaders and changemakers in their respective fields—helped evaluate this year's nominees. Their expertise and professional integrity ensure that the awards reflect true excellence and impact among Filipino professionals. Meet the esteemed judges behind the TFT Watchlist Awards 2025 in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain: Judges for the TFT Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Arch. Jan Marlou A. Luis Technical Architect and Technical Team Leader, Cube Metal Industries A licensed architect and façade design specialist based in Jeddah, Arch. Luis brings over a decade of expertise in aluminum and glass systems. As Technical Team Leader at Cube Metal Industries, he oversees detailed technical execution for landmark projects. He is also a prominent leader in the Filipino professional community, serving as former UAP-KSA Chapter President and current Chair of the Philippine Professional Organization – Western Region Saudi Arabia. Engr. Victorino Abejero Managing Director, GulfTIC Certification LLC With over 30 years of global experience in conformity assessment, Engr. Abejero has led major regulatory developments across the GCC, including the UAE's Energy Efficiency and Emirates Quality Mark. A founding leader of the IIEE UAE Chapter and an International IEC Expert, his expertise in technical standards and certification continues to shape regional engineering excellence. Engr. Jay-ar Padernal Legaste Lead Civil and Structural Engineer, Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corp. A triple-licensed civil and structural engineer (Philippines, USA, ASEAN), Engr. Legaste is known for designing mega projects for Saudi Aramco. He has earned accolades from The Filipino Times and Philippine organizations for professional distinction and leadership, including the 2023 Most Outstanding Professional of the Year Award (MOPYA). Engr. Erwin Mandia Design and Estimation Supervisor, Al Shahin Metal Industries Specializing in structural steel and pre-engineered buildings, Engr. Mandia is a leading civil engineer with more than 15 years of expertise. He is the current President of PICE Riyadh and Vice-Chairman of ASEP Riyadh, exemplifying his dual excellence in technical execution and community service. Engr. Renato S. Camacho Consultant Senior Mechanical Engineer, DAR ALRIYADH With over two decades in mechanical engineering and project management, Engr. Camacho is a respected mentor and chapter president of PSIM-KSA. A Professional Mechanical Engineer, Risk Management Professional, and APEC Engineer, he has contributed to defense and infrastructure projects such as the King Faisal Air Academy. Engr. Leo R. Argoso Jr. Medical Device Engineer, Abdulrehman Algosaibi G.T.C LLC With broad expertise in electronics, ICT, and biomedical engineering, Engr. Argoso is a licensed and certified engineer committed to mentoring future talents. He is recognized for his work in smart infrastructure, medical systems, and contributions to professional engineering bodies such as IECEP. Judges for the TFT Watchlist: Top Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador Assistant Vice-Dean for Development and Community Partnership, College of Nursing, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Dr. Salvador is a globally recognized nurse leader and dual PhD holder with extensive experience in healthcare education, quality assurance, and research. His influence spans more than 30 countries through conferences, publications, and global academic fellowships. Rodemel Mar Maceda Director of Nursing Excellence, Ministry of Defense Health Services – Nursing Administration Leading nursing excellence programs across 21 hospitals, Maceda is a highly credentialed nurse executive specializing in Magnet accreditation, quality, and safety. As FILNASA President, he has helped produce multiple topnotchers for the SPLE and is a recognized leader in the Gulf's Filipino nursing community. Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay Administrative Staff and Translator, Philippine Embassy Manama A registered nurse and community health leader, Mamaclay heads the Philippine Nurses Association in Bahrain. Through medical missions, health programs, and exam reviews, he empowers Filipino professionals while also bridging cultures through his role at the embassy. Jose Rex N. Navarrosa Head, Quality and Academic Accreditation Unit, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University A pioneer in respiratory therapy education in Saudi Arabia, Navarrosa has over 30 years of experience as a clinician, educator, and civic leader. His contributions include curriculum development, quality accreditation, and professional mentoring across the Gulf and the Philippines. Maricris B. Ignacio Hospital Nursing Supervisor, Almana General Hospital – Al Ahsa With 19 years of hospital service, Ignacio co-founded FINA (Filipino Nurses in Al Ahsa), championing healthcare volunteerism and continuing education. A certified BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP provider, she continues to uplift fellow nurses through training, leadership, and advocacy. These esteemed judges bring their expertise and leadership to the 2025 Watchlist Awards. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community advancement will ensure the awards recognize the best Filipino professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while inspiring the next generation to reach even greater heights.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
The Filipino Times unveils country-level dates for 2025 Watchlist Awards
The Filipino Times has officially set the country-level dates for its 2025 Watchlist Awards, casting a spotlight on the most distinguished Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals working across the Middle East. For the first time, the acclaimed awards program will honor outstanding Filipino professionals in each country before they advance to the regional competition, bringing recognition closer to Filipino communities in the region. Saudi Arabia will kick off the series, hosting the awarding for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on June 20 for engineers and architects, followed by healthcare professionals on June 21. Next in line, Qatar will gather winners from Qatar and Kuwait on August 8 for engineers and architects, and on August 9 for healthcare professionals. The UAE will wrap up the country-level ceremonies, recognizing top talents from the UAE and Oman on November 21 for engineers and architects, and November 22 for healthcare professionals. Country winners will contend for the regional titles next year, with the Middle East's top engineers and architects announced on March 29, 2026, and top healthcare professionals on March 30, 2026 — marking another milestone in celebrating Filipino excellence worldwide. This step responds to strong community support and follows global standards, ensuring that more Filipino professionals in the Middle East are recognized for their contributions.
