Abu dhabi: Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, concluded an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands aimed at advancing a strategic UAE-Netherlands partnership on trade exchange and development in energy and water, climate adaptation, and strategic sectors. The visit also focused on deepening engagement ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the visit, Balalaa held several meetings with Dutch government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Director General for Climate and Energy in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and the Dutch Water Envoy. Notably, non-oil trade between the UAE and the Netherlands increased by 6.82% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Balalaa also engaged with representatives from leading institutions and national entities such as Deltares, IHE Delft, Water Alliance, and the Municipality of Rotterdam. Discussions with these research institutes centered on advancing practical cooperation in water management, climate resilience, and innovation, with a focus on solutions to water scarcity and promoting integrated approaches across the water-energy-food nexus.
A focal point of the discussions was ensuring continuity from the 2023 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Tajikistan, as the UAE prepares for the 2026 UN Water Conference. Emphasis was placed on translating commitments into practical solutions through strengthened partnerships, scaled investment, and greater private sector engagement, recognizing water as a critical economic resource and enabler of sustainable development.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation on water diplomacy and capacity building, exploring areas in education, training, research, and innovation.
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 dialogue focused on evolving energy systems, global market changes, and the interdependence between energy, water, and food security, exploring opportunities for bilateral cooperation and public-private partnerships.
Abdulla Balalaa emphasized the importance of designing resilience into systems that underpin economies, stating that the future of global resilience will be shaped by proactive efforts. UAE Ambassador Ameirah AlHefeiti highlighted the timeliness of the visit and the discussions on the upcoming UNWC 2026 in Abu Dhabi, expressing satisfaction with the Netherlands' interest in the event.
Balalaa reiterated the UAE's commitment to working with the Netherlands and international partners during the 2026 UN Water Conference to achieve practical and innovative outcomes, in line with promoting multilateral cooperation and accelerating sustainable development. This visit strengthens the UAE-Netherlands bilateral partnership, positioning them to respond to evolving global dynamics through integrated and forward-looking approaches.
