Dutch connection in Gulf campaign launched at Wetex

Dubai / WAM

Consulate General of the Netherlands in Dubai, on behalf of the Dutch Economic Network in the Gulf region, launched its new multiyear campaign: Dutch Connection in the Gulf – Uniting Water, Energy, Food, at Wetex 2018 in Dubai.
The initiative was launched during ‘the Dutch Hour’, in the presence of Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, Ahmad Al Muhairbi Secretary-General of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE). The event was hosted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to the UAE, Frank J.M. Mollen.
“Our participation today has enabled us to share vital knowledge around food security, with this exchange enhancing our respective capabilities to ensure adequate food production for all. While we face differing challenges – with the Netherlands under threat from an ever-increasing threat risk of flooding and the UAE experiencing the opposite from shrinking groundwater levels – many of the solutions are the same. Biotechnology, urban farming and aquaculture are all important components. In today’s event, we discussed the relationship between water, energy and food as this nexus is critical for sustainable development and the security of the three components. We are delighted to have the opportunity to discuss our experiences of food security with our colleagues from the Netherlands at WETEX 2018 and to be able to work together to ensure the viability of the global food, water and energy nexus,” said Mariam Almheiri.
Under the umbrella of a new brand campaign, the Netherlands will share its vision and solutions for this interdependent water, energy, food nexus. In the years to come, the synergies between water, energy and food, and the best ways to look at these, will be the main focus of Dutch trade-related activities in the Gulf region.
The campaign will provide a tool for partners in the region to connect and collaborate. Companies and research institutes will benefit from trade missions, exchange programs, conferences and trade fairs, which will be organized in cooperation with our regional business partners, knowledge centers and governmental institutions. Partnerships will be set up to facilitate match making, stimulate and strengthen business relationships between the Netherlands and the Gulf countries for the areas water, energy, food, with the aim to lead to groundbreaking technologies, knowledge and proven solutions.
During Wetex 2018, a number of Dutch companies active in the water and energy sector took part in the Holland Pavilion where they showcased their Dutch innovations and ingenuity. Earlier this week, the companies were also welcomed to Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park by Dewa.
“We are honoured to be able to launch the Dutch Connection in the Gulf – Uniting Water, Energy, Food campaign here at the Wetex 2018. It gives us the possibility to showcase some of the Dutch innovations in the fields of Water, Energy and Food. The campaign underlines that the ‘Dutch approach’, which implies close cooperation between Government, private sector and research institutions, is essential to finding and implementing the most workable solutions to the challenges to our environment that we are all aware of. These challenges, for example the effects of climate change, population growth, food and water shortages on our societies, are global, but some are extra prevalent in the Gulf region,” Dutch Ambassador Frank Mollen, said.

“The launch of this campaign is also a milestone for our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, where the Dutch pavilion will be guided by the same theme. It brings us a step closer to the start of the EXPO, exactly two years from now.”