The UAE is an important trading partner for Netherlands

Please give us an account of the economic, commercial and trade relations between the Netherlands and the UAE, the growth over the years and future prospects?
Trade has been the main key driver of the successful and lengthy relationship between the UAE and the Netherlands. Companies like Royal Dutch Shell and Friesland Campina (the Rainbow brand) have been present in Abu Dhabi for 60 years or more, long before we opened our first Embassy in the UAE in 1977. Companies like ADNOC are important partners for the Netherlands companies; 350 ships built by Damen are currently part of ADNOC's operations, but there are many other areas for cooperation from gas technology to dredging performed over many years now by Boskalis and Van Oord. For the Netherlands, the UAE is an important trading partner in the region, and most Dutch exports to the Gulf are designated to the UAE. Looking at the future, we expect that with the diversification of the UAE's economy, our trade relations will only become more diverse.
 
Any high level visits or agreements planned for this year?
We are always looking at ways to optimise the relationship at a higher level. Currently, we are assessing opportunities to offer a good momentum for such visits or agreements. There are already agreements in place between the Dubai and the Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce, as well as a MoU on Energy Cooperation at the federal level.
 
How many Dutch companies are operating in the UAE and in what sectors?
There are over 200 Dutch companies in the UAE, active in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, aerospace, infrastructure and dredging, among others.
Multinationals such as Shell, Unilever, Philips, AkzoNobel, FrieslandCampina, Van Oord, Boskalis, Vopak, Royal Haskoning DHV, ING and ABN AMRO, and petrochemical tie-ins such as TenCate as well as a host of small and medium-sized enterprises have investments in the UAE. Moreover, many Dutch SMEs are finding their way to a number of important trade fairs like Gulfood or Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) making use of the positive business climate in the UAE.
 
Would you like to name a few important ones and their activities?
I think Dutch companies have contributed a great deal to some of the landmarks of the UAE. Dredging company Van Oord, for example, made the iconic palm island in Dubai, while Boskalis, the other famous Dutch dredging company made the Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain was built by BAM International. Sometimes, Dutch companies provided services to major projects that are not that visual, but at the same time very essential. Geotechnical company FUGRO for example did the soil research for the Burj Khalifa.
 
How is the Netherlands helping the UAE in introducing sustainable technology?
It is in the interest of every country to become more sustainable, so in my opinion the Netherlands and the UAE should help each other. Both countries have ambitious goals for their future energy mix, so I think we should continue our current dialogues in fields like energy efficiency and sustainable energy, and also in areas like sustainable agriculture, water management or reuse of waste provide ample opportunities for cooperation.
 
How many Dutch people work and live in the UAE? What professions are they involved in?
About 5,000 Dutch nationals currently reside in the UAE, and most of them live in Dubai. They all have diverse backgrounds and work in various industries from dredging and hospitality to financial services and sports management. It should come as no surprise that the rapid expansion and diversification of the UAE's economy, and the attractive business climate have attracted a large number of Dutch entrepreneurs to the country.
 
What about Dutch community organisations in the UAE and what do they do?
There are two Dutch social clubs, the 'Nederlandse Vereniging' in Dubai, and the 'Dutch in Abu Dhabi' in Abu Dhabi. They organise social gatherings and sports tournaments such as desert rallies. Also they are of great help to Dutch people who've just moved to the UAE.
Furthermore, there are two Dutch business councils, both very active: the Netherlands Business Council in Dubai and the Benelux Business Council in Abu Dhabi. Both councils provide a platform for Dutch businesses to get together and discuss business opportunities, help new entrants onto the market and liaise with Emirati counterparts.
 
Give us details on the Dutch-Creative industry partnership.
Innovativeness and creativity - both crucial factors in our response to the issues facing society - are innate to the Dutch. The internationally well-known Dutch Design is admired for its groundbreaking designs with a mix of originality, innovation and lightness. Its various sectors are renowned for tackling challenges in innovative ways, for example Rem Koolhaas' architecture, Marcel Wanders' designs, or Ranj's serious games.
The Dutch Creative Industry (DCI) was formed in October, which builds upon this strong track record. DCI is a strategic and unique three-year partnership of eight Dutch creative industry companies with the Dutch government. Being a platform representing the Netherlands, DCI aims to show their unique and collaborative way of working within the fields of arts, culture and architecture focusing upon the UAE and Lebanon. For more information you can visit www.dutchcreativeindustry.nl
 
How is tourism between the two countries faring?
Though we do not have exact numbers of Emiratis travelling to the Netherlands or Dutch people travelling to the UAE, we do feel that tourism between the two countries is increasing. Over the years it has also become a lot easier to travel, now that we have direct flights and the visa waiver for UAE nationals coming to the Netherlands.
Besides the well-known cities like Amsterdam, Leiden and Delft, Emiratis prefer the south of the Netherlands with its hilly green landscapes, picturesque villages, castles and orchards. Additionally, the Netherlands has the highest density of museums per head of the population in the whole world, a fact that is less well-known.
 
Could you give us details on your move to the new premises in Abu Dhabi?
To accommodate our growth in staff and be a little closer to some of the business activities, we've moved to new premises in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) area. The new embassy is built according to the open-plan work philosophy. In an open-plan work environment, there are no distinct rooms or fully enclosed spaces. Workstations are positioned together within one exposed floor plan. Moreover the whole embassy is equipped with Dutch design and furniture made by companies from the Netherlands. The Dutch creative sector is a very talented one and what better way to show that than making your own embassy in a showroom.
The view is inspirational as we can see all the activities in Abu Dhabi, which creates energy and motivation for all the work we are doing. Not to forget the wonderful views of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, all of this making it an inspiring place to work.
I feel that this 'new way of working' makes communicating with colleagues much more efficient and easier. It allows ideas to flow freely and helps various roles in the embassy come together effectively. We have really become 'one team', our slogan for the way we work together.
 
How do you celebrate King's Day, which is a holiday in the Netherlands?
On April 27, the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander, we celebrate King's Day. In the Netherlands that means street parties all over the country and lots of people dressed in our national colour, orange. It makes for a wonderful 'party' atmosphere and fun for all, young and old. 
Anything else you would like to add. 
Holland + YOU
I would like to shed light on our new project Holland + You. The Netherlands and countries in the Gulf region have found common ground in a broad range of fields, proving to be ideal partners when building connections across a spectrum of sectors. To further strengthen this economic relationship the Dutch embassy in Abu Dhabi, Consulate General in Dubai and embassies in Riyadh, Doha, Muscat, and Kuwait City have set up Holland + You, a platform for interaction between Dutch and Gulf business stakeholders. This platform aims to facilitate Gulf businesses in exploring and establishing new business interests within the Netherlands. It showcases what the Netherlands has to offer in terms of innovation, sustainability and integrated solutions and stimulates the exchange of information, opportunities and best practices. By doing so, we want to create and connect more Dutch-Gulf collaborations. For more information, visit the website www.hollandplusyou.com. The website is a good way to identify sound business prospects, target business professionals, discover potential business partners and get in touch with our economic network. You can also follow Holland+You on social media to stay updated on business news of the Netherlands and on our activities.
 
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com