The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands share a longstanding bilateral relationship that dates back more than 400 years. Building on this strong foundation, both countries continue to strengthen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including sustainable water management.
Although their geographical and climatic conditions differ, Oman and the Netherlands face several similar water-related challenges, such as water scarcity, water quality and pollution, ensuring water for agriculture, and managing flood risks. By combining knowledge, expertise and innovation, both countries work together to develop sustainable and resilient water solutions.
The commitment to this cooperation was further strengthened through the renewal in 2026 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments on bilateral knowledge exchange in the field of water. The renewed MoU provides a framework for continued collaboration, sharing expertise and jointly addressing water challenges.
NWP’s involvement
The Oman Netherlands Task Force on Water has been in existence since 2017. From the start, NWP chairs the Task Force, runs its Secretariat and supports the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Muscat in strengthening bilateral cooperation on water.
The Task Force aims to strengthen the relationship on water between the two nations and explore concrete opportunities for water cooperation. The Task Force consists of a government-to-government body, with representatives from government bodies and ministries, Nama Water Services (Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company), and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman. In addition, there are two thematic Working Groups, open to the entire Dutch water sector.
Since its founding, there have been numerous meetings, reciprocal exchanges of knowledge, and follow-up meetings. NWP has played a key role in setting the conditions for a fruitful relationship. As Chair of the Task Force and host of its Secretariat, NWP’s leads and coordinates numerous activities on a regular basis, including designing special programmes for incoming delegations, arranging targeted matchmaking, and facilitating thematic meetings favouring knowledge exchange and partnerships.
In 2025, the Task Force focused on the development of the Oman Netherlands Water Roadmap, a strategic framework highlighting a set of joint priorities for 2026 and 2027. This Roadmap also aligns with the 2026 MoU on water resource management between the Governments of Oman and the Netherlands.
Together, the Roadmap and MoU create a momentum for collaborative efforts and offer new opportunities for Dutch companies looking to enter the Omani market.
Creating impact
NWP strives for a water driven future where water resources are used and managed in a sustainable way worldwide. The Task Force’s work contributes to this end and sums efforts towards achieving the SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
