If you’re a Filipino in Abu Dhabi and want to vote in the 2028 Philippine National Elections, now is the time to register. The overseas voter registration period runs from December 3, 2025 to September 27, 2027. Election Day is on May 8, 2028, while the overseas voting period is from April 9 to May 8, 2028.
This guide covers everything you need to know about registering as an overseas voter at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Note: If you’re based in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, follow the registration and voting process at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai
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Overseas Voter Registration Schedule
Filipinos in Abu Dhabi who are not yet registered voters — or those who need to update their registration records — can do so at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi during the registration period.
Registration Period: December 3, 2025 – September 27, 2027
Overseas Voting Period: April 9 – May 8, 2028
Election Day: May 8, 2028
Who Can Register?
You are eligible to register as an overseas voter if you are:
- A Filipino citizen
- At least 18 years old on or before Election Day (May 8, 2028)
- Currently residing or working abroad
- Not otherwise disqualified by law
How to Register as an Overseas Voter in Abu Dhabi
Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents
Bring the following to the Philippine Embassy:
- Original and photocopy of your valid Philippine passport
- If your passport has expired, bring supporting documents proving your Filipino citizenship
Step 2 – Visit the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Go to the Embassy during office hours and proceed to the registration area. A COMELEC officer or Embassy staff will assist you with the process.
Embassy Address:
W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Step 3 – Fill Out the Overseas Voter Registration Form
Complete the OVF-1 (Overseas Voter Registration Form). Make sure all details are accurate and match your passport information.
Step 4 – Have Your Biometrics Taken
Your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be captured as part of the registration process.
Step 5 – Receive Your Acknowledgement Receipt
After registration, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt. Keep this for your records. You can use it to follow up on the status of your registration.
How to Check Your Voter Registration Status
Once registered, you can verify your registration status through the COMELEC website or by checking the list of Certified Overseas Voters (CLOV), which the Philippine Embassy will publish 120 days before the start of the election period.
Only those whose names appear on the CLOV will be eligible to vote in 2028.
Voting On Site at PH Embassy in UAE Office
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in Abu Dhabi, UAE here.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has released the list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) 120 days before the start of the election period. Registered voters should find their names on the list. Those who do not, won’t be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
At this stage, you should know who to vote for, including the candidates’ job history and political background, as well as their programs for employment, health, as well as foreign workers and immigration, to mention a few.
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
This will allow for a speedier review and documentation of the votes. Also, be certain that you have darkened all the relevant portions of the ballot so that you do not overlook any names for whom you wish to vote.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
When you leave the embassy, this will serve as documentation that you have previously voted. That’s all! You may now leave the poll to go home, to work, spend the day with your friends, or unwind by yourself.
Internet Voting via Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS)
For the first time, registered Filipino voters in Abu Dhabi can opt to use the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) for a faster and more accessible voting process.
This initiative allows voters to cast their ballots online from the comfort of their homes after pre-enrollment. Please make sure to pre-enroll before hand so you can participate in the OVCS test voting period and familiarize yourself with the system.
Once you have successfully pre-enrolled, you can access the OVCS platform during the official voting period.
The OVCS is a convenient way for our overseas voters to exercise their right to suffrage without having to physically visit the Embassy. However, if you choose not to use this option or encounter any issues with the system, you can still vote manually at the Embassy’s designated voting area.
Philippine Embassy in UAE has posted an update about the Internet Voting procedure for Filipinos overseas. For the first-time, you don’t have to go to the Embassy or Consulate to cast your vote. You can simply vote online at your own convenience.
Please check out the video infomercial below for an idea about the internet voting process:
READ NEXT: How to Contact Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE?
Contact Information
Embassy of the Philippines in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Address: W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3215, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday : 7:30 am to 3:30pm; Friday : 7:30 am to 12:00 noon
Email: auhpe@philembassy.ae
Embassy Whatsapp No: +971 50 813 7836
Website: www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PHinUAE
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