UAE, Netherlands Deepen Cooperation on Energy, Water and Climate
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, concluded an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on May 7-8 aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries in trade, energy, water, climate adaptation, and other key sectors.
The visit also focused on enhancing cooperation ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2026.
During the visit, Balalaa held a series of meetings with senior Dutch officials, including the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Director General for Climate and Energy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and the Dutch Water Envoy.
According to officials, non-oil trade between the UAE and the Netherlands increased by 6.82 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting growing economic ties between the two countries.
Balalaa also met representatives from leading Dutch institutions and national entities, including Deltares, IHE Delft, Water Alliance, and the Municipality of Rotterdam.
Discussions with research institutions focused on expanding practical cooperation in water management, climate resilience, and innovation, including accelerating solutions to water scarcity, strengthening resilience against climate impacts, and promoting integrated approaches within the water-energy-food nexus.
Ensuring continuity from the 2023 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Tajikistan, remained a central theme of the discussions as the UAE advances preparations for the 2026 conference.
Talks emphasized translating international commitments into practical solutions through stronger partnerships, scaled investments, and greater private sector engagement, while recognizing water as a critical economic and development resource essential for sustainable development and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
As part of the visit, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in water diplomacy and capacity building.
The agreement will explore collaboration in education, training, research and innovation, knowledge exchange, and talent development ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference and beyond.
The visit also featured a high-level UAE–Netherlands Energy Dialogue in Rotterdam, where Balalaa delivered opening remarks and engaged with senior representatives from government, industry, and academia.
The discussions highlighted the impact of evolving energy systems on global markets, supply chains, and economic competitiveness, while underscoring the growing interconnection between energy, water, and food security.
Participants also explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation, mobilize investment, and promote public-private partnerships across these interconnected sectors.
Speaking during the visit, Abdulla Balalaa said the UAE remains committed to building resilient and adaptive systems capable of responding to increasingly complex global challenges.
UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ameirah AlHefeiti described the visit as timely and significant, noting that discussions explored broader avenues of bilateral cooperation and highlighted the importance of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Balalaa reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working closely with the Netherlands and international partners to deliver practical, inclusive, and innovative outcomes at the 2026 conference, in line with the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation and accelerate sustainable development.
The visit further reinforced the long-standing UAE–Netherlands partnership and positioned both countries to address evolving global challenges through integrated and forward-looking cooperation in energy, water, and resource security.
