The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have embarked on an ambitious journey to strengthen their collaboration in industries that define the future. His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, recently engaged in discussions centered around catalyzing investments and fostering joint ventures in pivotal sectors that include renewable energy, space exploration, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, agricultural technology, and smart mobility solutions. This substantial commitment to cooperation culminated in the signing of an agreement to collaborate on water management.
Prime Minister Rutte led a high-level Dutch delegation to the UAE, aiming to fortify trade and investment ties. Their focus lies on the establishment of a sustainable economic corridor, intricately woven with the principles of Net Zero emissions and decarbonized value chains. One of the most intriguing possibilities on the horizon involves the transportation of green hydrogen between these two forward-thinking nations.
Bilateral relations between the UAE and the Netherlands have been steadily strengthening, with the Netherlands solidifying its position as one of the UAE’s top-five trading partners within the European Union. In the first half of 2023 alone, bilateral non-oil trade reached a notable AED 11.2 billion—a 20.4% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
HE Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, underlined the mutual commitment to crafting innovative solutions for global challenges. He underscored the pivotal role of knowledge and innovation in shaping a dynamic and resilient economy. Both nations share a vision that champions sustainable growth, grounded in the pillars of technology and talent.
Prime Minister Rutte echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the remarkable synergy between the UAE and the Netherlands in their aspirations for sustainability and green hydrogen. Together, they aim to pave the way for a green hydrogen corridor of the future—an initiative poised to have far-reaching implications.
HE Al Zeyoudi extended a warm invitation to Dutch entities, inviting them to harness the myriad incentives offered within the UAE’s thriving business ecosystem. These incentives, which include full foreign ownership rights, flexible tax policies, and streamlined business setup procedures, exemplify the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the UAE’s global connectivity, underpinned by robust infrastructure and strategic trade agreements, affords effortless access to markets spanning India, Israel, Indonesia, Turkey, Cambodia, and beyond.
As the UAE and the Netherlands set their sights on a future underpinned by sustainability, green technologies, and a shared commitment to Net Zero, their partnership signals the dawn of a new era. It’s an era defined by collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of solutions to global challenges. Together, they aim not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world.
