The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
For over 15 years, Josie Conlu has been at the forefront of serving the Filipino and wider expatriate communities in Dubai, earning recognition as the community’s most familiar and influential personality. Known for her warmth, generosity, and infectious positivity, she is also an award-winning personality, a dedicated youth mentor, and an advocate for SMEs, empowering individuals and communities to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully.
Through her current flagship platform, Love Josie, Josie connects communities, fosters engagement, and celebrates Filipino culture across the UAE. The platform has become a trusted hub for information, inspiration, and connection, offering guidance and support to families, workers, and youth alike.
During her pioneering work as Project Manager for Emirates Loves under the Dubai Government Media Office, Josie helped build these into formidable community platforms with a 14-country reach and over 10 million followers, creating spaces for engagement, cultural dialogue, and authentic community connection. Her work demonstrated a keen ability to mobilize communities, foster meaningful relationships, and deliver initiatives at scale.
Through her partners Infinite Communities, The Filipino Channel, and Emirates Loves Philippines, Josie organizes landmark events that have become cultural touchstones for the Filipino community. Kalayaan, one of the largest Philippine Independence Day celebrations outside the Philippines, attracts over 40,000 attendees annually, while Shukran, the annual Filipino Thanksgiving, celebrates the community’s contributions to the UAE while honoring the host country. These events exemplify her dedication to cultural celebration, unity, and recognition.
Her influence is rooted in deep ties with key UAE institutions and the diplomatic community. She collaborates as a trusted partner in distributing reliable information, serving as a bridge between authorities and communities to ensure initiatives are impactful and relevant.
Josie’s commitment to community development extends to education and skills empowerment. Through her partnership with Crescent Circle Training Institute, she is helping a growing number of Filipino migrant workers access scholarships and highly affordable tuition, making professional upskilling and growth achievable for hardworking Kababayans striving to improve their lives and careers in the UAE.
Beyond her community work, Josie’s unique brand universe and credibility have made her an excellent and trusted brand ambassador for sustainable brands, allowing her to authentically represent initiatives that align with her values and positively impact communities.
Reflecting on her journey, Josie shares, “I am humbled to serve my community, and every connection reminds me that leadership is about listening, supporting, and lifting others.” Her energy, positivity, and integrity are evident in every initiative she leads, inspiring communities, celebrating heritage, and creating enduring impact across the UAE.
With her strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication, Josie Conlu continues to shape Dubai’s social fabric. Her tireless efforts prove that one committed individual, grounded in humility and driven by purpose, can transform the lives of thousands and inspire generations to come.