He Moved to the UAE With a Resume, Now His Art Hangs in Royal Palaces

Landing in a new country with nothing but a CV is a familiar story. Turning that into painting portraits for royalty? That’s rare. Filipino artist Ely Caluag did exactly that—one bold step, one brushstroke at a time.

Now 40, Caluag is the founder of ELYGRAF Fine Art & Branding Services FZE, and his journey in the UAE is proof that creative risks can pay off big.

A Creative Childhood That Set the Tone

Art was always part of Caluag’s life. He grew up surrounded by creativity—a mother who sang jazz and made dresses, and relatives who painted and played music. Art wasn’t just a skill; it was how he understood the world.

After earning a Fine Arts degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2008, he worked briefly in Makati before taking a leap. Encouraged by his sister, he moved to Dubai—curious, hopeful, and ready to try.

Learning the Luxury Game

In 2010, Caluag joined Platinum Events, a French luxury events company, where he worked with brands like Louis Vuitton, Louboutin, and Rolls-Royce. The experience taught him precision, polish, and the high standards of premium clients.

He later moved to another French branding firm, Lamarq, sharpening his design and branding skills even further. Adaptability became his edge. If a project required a new skill, he learned it—fast.

Going Freelance and Going All In

By 2014, Caluag made the leap into freelancing. It was risky, but the timing felt right. Years of experience, plus confidence, pushed him forward.

That decision changed everything.

Painting for the Royals

Today, Caluag paints portraits for members of the UAE’s royal families—a milestone that still feels surreal. His artworks now hang in exclusive royal majlis, places where dignitaries gather and history is quietly made.

The freedom that came with success mattered just as much. Running his own studio allows him to travel, choose projects, and build a life on his own terms.

From Media City to Majlis Walls

The contrast is striking. Caluag recalls knocking on office doors in Media City back in 2010, CV in hand. Now, his work lives in some of the country’s most prestigious spaces.

Dubai, he says, felt familiar fast—thanks to its strong Filipino community and support networks that made the city feel like home.

Looking Ahead, Lifting Others Up

Caluag isn’t stopping here. He hopes to work with royal families beyond the UAE and create platforms that open doors for other creatives.

His advice is simple: be bold and think bigger. If opportunities don’t exist, build them.

He’s also clear about one thing—Filipinos are more than stereotypes. They’re artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who deserve the same spotlight as anyone else.