Valuable connections and engaging meetings during Oman Sustainability Week

Networking galore

NWP and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman organised a three day programme of networking, pitch presentations and matchmaking. The companies that joined the mission presented their work at the eye-catching Netherlands Pavilion that stood out in the signature orange colour of the Netherlands.

The companies showcased their knowledge, expertise and proven solutions in the fields of:

• key infrastructure solutions - Vopak
• soil and water solutions - Royal Eijkelkamp
• sensors - Sensoterra
• revolutionising materials innovation and local manufacturing – The Open Mind Company
• smart water recycling - Hydraloop
• controlling biofouling in industrial water systems – H2O Biofouling Solutions
• flood and drought resilience – Slamdam/Zephyr Consulting
• GReen Oxygen, Hydrogen and Wasteheat (GROHW) – Witteveen+Bos
• innovations in water intake screening – Hubert Stavoren
• enabling Delta life - Deltares
• desalination technology: water treatment containers for seawater and brackish water applications - Hydrovolta
• low carbon fertilisers, fuels, and feedstock for agriculture, transport, and industry – OCI Global
• sustainable development, management and operation of large ports – Port of Rotterdam

The Netherlands Pavilion was graced by a visit of His Excellency Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy & Minerals of Oman. He was welcomed by Her Excellency Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Sultanate of Oman who stressed the long-lasting bond between Oman and the Netherlands. His Excellency proceeded by talking to some of the participants in the Pavilion where he learned about the knowledge and expertise of the Dutch water and energy sector.

Innovations from the Netherlands at Sustainability Talks

Next to showcasing their expertise in the Netherlands Pavilion, the participants inspired the audience from all over the Gulf region with presentations at the Sustainability Talks theatre.

The seminar session was held on Tuesday 14 March and highlighted the existing collaboration between Oman and the Netherlands. The seminar was opened with a Welcome Address by Her Excellency Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Sultanate of Oman.

With the intention of sharing information and inspiring the audience on best practices, innovations, and technologies, the Dutch speakers at the Sustainability Talks programme gave the attendees insights that would support their research efforts and business goals. It proved to be an excellent accelerator of trade, as one of the participants secured an order on the spot!

Site visits

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands arranged several site visits for the participating companies, helping them to connect with local stakeholders and potential partners and customers.

On Monday 13 March, the delegation met with the General Directorate of Asset Management of the Oman Water & Wastewater Services Company (OWWSC). The OWWSC team graciously hosted a tour of the Al Ansab Water Treatment Station in Muscat and shared fascinating insights about the asset management of the plant. Ideas for cooperation arose instantly and a return visit to the Netherlands was discussed.

On Tuesday 14 March, a meeting was held with the Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC). Among the challenges faced are the high water table and growth of reed. Best practices in the Netherlands were shared and the lively dialogue will be continued online.

Wednesday 15 March, marked the visit of some of the companies to the biofuel factory in Khazaen, and an Energy Majlis meeting in the afternoon.  

Business opportunities in Oman and the Gulf region

The presence of the Dutch water sector in the region is growing, especially in the domain of water technology. The coming years is likely to see more opportunities for the Dutch water sector to expand its activities, especially in Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. If you are interested in knowing more about potential business opportunities in Oman and other Gulf countries, contact our Project Managers Marieke Leenhouts and Sabrina Kraaijenbrink-Doetjes.

Valuable connections and solid sales leads

The mission programme was a great success for the participating organisations. It resulted in valuable connections, solid sales leads, a better understanding of the water and energy demands in the Gulf region, and greater clarity of potential business opportunities.

NWP would like to thank the companies that joined us on this mission: Deltares, Hubert Stavoren, Hydraloop, Hydrovolta, H2O Biofouling Solutions, OCI Global, Port of Rotterdam, Royal Eijkelkamp, Sensoterra, The Open Mind company, Vopak, Witteveen+Bos, and Zephyr Consulting.

And also a big thanks to the team at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands the Sultanate of Oman  for their invaluable support and opening up their network of local connections to the participants!