Sultan of Oman’s state visit highlights deepening water sector collaboration with the Netherlands

The visit of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to the Netherlands marked a significant milestone in the flourishing relationship between the two nations. The visit demonstrated the deep historical ties between Oman and the Netherlands going back over 400 years of trade and people-to-people connections. The two nations have evolved from early maritime exchanges to a dynamic partnership rooted in openness, international trade, and dialogue on global challenges – especially in the field of water management and sustainable technology.

Mutual interests in green hydrogen and advanced water solutions

During a state dinner held in honour of His Majesty, both countries emphasised their strategic partnership, with Sultan Haitham highlighting their mutual interests in green hydrogen and advanced water solutions. The joint diplomatic statement issued on the last day stressed the importance of cooperation in water technology, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure – all key areas in which Dutch expertise aligns seamlessly with Oman’s national development goals under Oman Vision 2040.

NWP plays a pivotal role

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is proud to play a pivotal role in this trusted and growing partnership. A recent example of this close cooperation was the strong Dutch presence at Oman Water Week, where experts, innovators, and businesses came together to exchange knowledge and align future goals with key Omani stakeholders. The event served as a vibrant platform to explore solutions to Oman’s critical water challenges.

During the state visit, NWP Director Rick Elmendorp attended both the high-level CEO reception and the state banquet, engaging directly with His Majesty Sultan Haitham and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. “This visit is more than just symbolic,” Elmendorp noted. “It reinforces the trust and shared vision between our nations, and opens doors for new opportunities in water innovation and sustainability.”

Shared ambitions and opportunities 

The engineering consultancy Witteveen+Bos, one of the Dutch participants in Oman Water Week and a guest at the CEO reception and state banquette, reflected on the growing synergy between Dutch water expertise and Omani ambitions. They stated: “We are combining local capacity with high-tech solutions from the Netherlands in our new partnerships with two local engineering companies in Oman. Our goal is to support Oman in ensuring that upcoming water sector investments are both effective and future-proof.”

Deltares, also present at the CEO reception, shared their positive impressions from the discussions held at the water table. “We discussed operational flood risk management to manage wadi flash floods, desalination and the availability of water,” Dirk-Jan Walstra, Director of Deltares noted. “His Majesty the Sultan stated that water was one of the most important topics for collaboration with the Netherlands. There was a great interest in the Dutch water sector and the added value we have brought to Oman’s development. At Deltares, we anticipate that the Dutch water sector will continue to play an important role in addressing climate-related challenges, including cyclones, droughts, and extreme rainfall events.” He added: “The meeting was fruitful and inspiring, with a genuine interest in each other. The Sultan was well aware of some of our projects, which reinforces the potential for future collaboration.”

Oman Netherlands Strategic Taskforce on Water

Dutch-Omani collaboration is already yielding results – from integrated water infrastructure designs to strategic planning in wastewater treatment and water reuse. The opportunities ahead are equally promising. Both countries share a vision of turning water challenges into engines of innovation and sustainable growth.

A testament to this shared vision is the Oman Netherlands Strategic Taskforce on Water, with NWP leading the Dutch water sector’s presence since 2017. The Taskforce, of which Witteveen+Bos and Deltares are a member, has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the Oman Netherlands Water Roadmap which outlines joint priorities for the next two years. Its execution will be done in close coordination with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Muscat, the Omani Ministry, and Nama Water Group.

Shaping the future together

Looking ahead, NWP remains committed to supporting Oman in achieving its water and climate goals – and to fostering partnerships that help build resilient, water-secure communities. As the Sultan noted in his speech, the collaboration not only promotes sustainable development but helps bring greater peace and stability to both Europe and the Middle East.


Together, the Netherlands and Oman are not just exchanging knowledge, they are shaping a future where water innovation bridges continents and generations.