List: 126 Filipino engineers and architects in the Gulf honoured

Across the glittering skylines of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, a silent force has been shaping history: Filipino and engineers and architects.

Their brilliance and grit rise with every skyscraper, their expertise weaves through every structure, and their dedication fuels cities reborn from the desert.

Far from home, these visionaries battle scorching heat, relentless deadlines, and the sheer scale of ambition that defines the Gulf’s rapid transformation.

Their hands and minds have turned blueprints into breathtaking masterpieces — structures that stand as testaments to both innovation and resilience.

On Friday (February 14), their contributions took centre stage.

In a tribute to excellence, 126 outstanding Filipino professionals were honoured in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025.

Organised by New Perspective Media Group (NPMG), the event was held at Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek in Dubai, UAE.

Their work has been instrumental in shaping the region’s future, particularly in driving sustainable urban development.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver hailed the event as more than just an awards ceremony — it was a recognition of Filipino excellence, resilience, and enduring legacy.

"Platforms like The Filipino Times Watchlist uplift our kabayan (countrymen), inspiring them to continue excelling in their fields. These awards are not just about individual success, but also about reinforcing the immense goodwill of our community in this region," Ver said.

Meanwhile, Raul Hernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, emphasised that beyond technical expertise, the awardees embody integrity, professionalism, and innovation — values that make Filipino professionals globally sought-after.

"From groundbreaking designs to engineering feats that reshape skylines, their work is a source of national pride. They prove that Filipino talent and expertise shine on the world stage," Hernandez remarked.

Dr. Karen Remo, chief executive officer and founder of NPMG, said the event is aimed to empower Filipinos worldwide. "This event is a testament to their invaluable contributions,” she said.

“The engineering and architecture sectors in the Middle East have greatly benefited from the talent, resilience, and expertise of Filipino professionals. We are proud to provide a platform that fosters peer-to-peer recognition and celebrates work excellence, leadership, professional success, resilience, and community service,” Remo said.

Consul General Marford Angeles of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, said such initiatives are crucial in recognising and amplifying the impact of overseas Filipinos who excel in their respective fields.

“By celebrating the achievements of our engineers and architects, we not only acknowledge their hard work but also encourage others to push the boundaries of their capabilities,” he said.

For decades, Filipino engineers and architects have been part of the builders of the region, shaping landscapes without fanfare.

Given this recognition, their achievements outside the country remind the world that behind the region’s most iconic structures are their hands, minds, and dreams — etched into the steel-and-glass of a future they continue to build.

Here's the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025: