Dive into Expo 2020 Dubai

At the heart of the Dutch participation at Expo 2020 Dubai is the unique Netherlands Pavilion. The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is the embodiment of the innovative and sustainable solutions the Netherlands can offer in the areas of water, energy and food and related fields. 

The Netherlands Pavilion is one of the proud finalists of the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2021 under the category Best Sustainability Education or Awareness Programme. Discover the Netherlands Pavilion.

Overall Dutch Dubai programme 

In addition to its unique Pavilion, the Netherlands also presents an impressive programme. Featuring water, energy, food, circularity and culture, the Netherlands has put together a promising programme with thematic weeks, innovative art exhibitions and exciting business opportunities. Have a look at the Programming Information Pack of the Netherlands' participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.

In terms of water, the Dutch Dubai water track programme focuses on various theme weeks during Expo Dubai, such as the Urban & Rural Development Week in November and the Water Week in March 2022. The Dutch water sector presents itself during several sessions, networking opportunities and social events during these 2 weeks.

Expo Dubai thematic week: Urban & Rural Development Week

31 October - 6 November 2021

Whether in rural or urban settings, access to safe and affordable living conditions is a fundamental right. With over 70% of the world's population forecast to live in cities by 2050, and over a billion already living in informal settlements, it is more important than ever to build resilient and sustainable habitats supported by networks of inclusive infrastructure and services.

As  demands on cities and communities escalate, Expo Dubai will bring together experts, citizens, and governments to re-think the way habitats – urban and rural, formal and informal – are designed and managed. From innovative transport, sustainable housing and green public spaces to renewable energy and circular economies, the habitats of the future are expected to have sustainability and inclusivity at their core.

The Netherlands is looking forward to showcasing its innovations for sustainable and liveable cities at Expo 2020 Dubai. This week focuses on several themes: water, food, sustainable building and urban mobility.

Dutch water sector event: 'Two Extremes: Flooding and Heat stress - Resilience Challenges and Innovations in Cities'

1 November 2021

Cities from around the world will exchange ideas, share stories of adaptation, and innovative solutions that help address the two extremes they face: more frequent and intense floods in rainy seasons and heat waves during the summer. Finding strategies that help meet ecological (green/grey infrastructure, nature-based solutions), social (participatory design and communities' programmes), and economic (entrepreneurial innovation, financing for sustainable projects) benefits and showcasing best practices from around the world in a diverse set of contexts. 

Expo Dubai thematic week: Global Goals Week

16 - 22 January 2022

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our global blueprint for a better world, and a statement of our collective ambition for dignified and equal opportunities for all. Expo 2020 Dubai is an unparalleled opportunity to mobilise citizens around the Global Goals. Events this week will take stock of how far we have come and examine the role played by various actors – including individuals – in the SDGs and explore how we can act together to chart a way forward.

The programme for the Netherlands Pavilion for the Global Goals Week will focus on several themes linked to the SDGs: water, food, energy, sustainable and smart solutions and more. With the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and the Water, Energy and Food Trilateral Summit, the Global Goals week features a packed programme.

Dutch water sector event: 'Water, Energy & Food for Cities, Industries and Agriculture: Global challenges – Integrated Local Solutions'

March 2022

The Netherlands will hold a water seminar focused on global challenges and integrated solutions as well as regional issues within the Gulf region. We seek to foster cooperation on water issues in the Gulf region and around the world through local partners while seeking the best approach to forming partnerships and finding solutions to existing challenges. Water seminar sub-themes: 

• Integrated Water Resource Management in Water-scarce Areas
• Nexus: Water and Food Connections
• Smart Water Management - The Key to Sustainable Water Treatment
• 21st-century Water Management in the Built Environment

The above-mentioned water seminar will take place at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Read the full programme.

In addition to the thematic weeks and programmes, NWP also contributes to other programmes such as Climate & Biodiversity Week (first week of October 2021), and Global Goals Week (January 2022).

Be there and join the action: Opportunities in the Gulf region

The Gulf region is among the most water-stressed regions in the world. At the same time, it is also one of the highest water-consuming regions. The agricultural sector is by far the largest consumer of water, accounting for around 85% of fresh water consumption, nearly all of which comes from non-renewable underground sources. As with other countries in the region, water scarcity limits the United Arab Emirate's (UAE) domestic food production. Consequently, the UAE imports most of its food products. Nonetheless, the UAE still intends to pursue further domestic production.

In light of the UAE's goal to ensure its food security and its need for potable water, this creates many opportunities for cooperation in the water, energy and food sectors.

As the Expo 2020 Dubai is a World Expo, it offers great opportunities for participants to connect and liaise with leading global water experts in these thematic weeks.

The framework of the water programme is there. Now it's time to fill in the details. If you see opportunities for your company or organisation to participate in the programme, show your solutions or meet with prospects in the region, then join the Dutch delegation at Expo 2020 Dubai.