- The diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of the Netherlands started in 1972 after the establishment of the Union State of United Arab Emirates, where The Kingdom of the Netherlands appointed the first non-resident ambassador to the Emirates on the 24th of May 1972.
- The UAE appointed the first non-resident ambassador to Holland in 1973 .By 1977 The Kingdom of the Netherlands opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi and appointed the first resident ambassador in Abu Dhabi in 1987.
- The diplomatic representation of the UAE in the Netherlands remained dependent on the non-resident ambassadors until the year 2002, when The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in The Hague was officially opened on the 10th of September 2002 and HE Ali Thani Al Suwaidi presented his credentials as a first resident ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in November 2003.
- The history of the relations between the two countries dates back for hundreds of years, to the era of Dutch explorations in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, where the coasts of the United Arab Emirates were viewed as a station for providing Dutch ships with supplies on their way to India and the coasts of Indonesia, and they also established associated trade relations with ports in the region.
- As for the contemporary history of the bilateral relations between the two countries, it goes to the era of the fifties of the last century during the phase of oil exploration, where Shell Company signed a number of contracts to explore for oil in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
- The relationship continued after the founding of the United Arab Emirates, followed by an increase in trade between the two countries and they engaged in economic projects and investments, where the Dutch companies are today one of the largest players in commerce and industry fields, particularly in the oil and gas sector, ports and building islands and reclamation of agricultural land in the United Arab Emirates.
- As for The UAE investments in the Netherlands, it includes the energy sector , ports and aviation sectors, where Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways is working in collaboration with the Dutch airline KLM to link the two countries with 4 daily flights between Amsterdam and Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- The UAE's economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while its most populous city of Dubai is a global city and an international aviation and maritime trade hub.
- Trade has been the main key driver of the successful and lengthy relationship between the UAE and the Netherlands. With the passing of the years, the UAE has become less reliant on oil and gas, and is economically focusing on tourism and business.
- Companies like Royal Dutch Shell and Friesland Campina (the Rainbow brand) have been present in Abu Dhabi for 60 years or more, long before the Dutch opened their first Embassy in the UAE in 1977. Companies like ADNOC are important partners for the Netherlands companies as well.
- There are many additional areas for cooperation from gas technology to dredging performed over many years now by Boskalis and Van Oord. For the Netherlands, the UAE is an important trading partner in the region. With the diversification of the UAE's economy, the trade relations with the Netherlands will only become more diverse.
- Dutch companies have contributed a great deal to some of the landmarks of the UAE. Dredging company Van Oord, for example:
- made the iconic palm island in Dubai, while Boskalis
- the other famous Dutch dredging company made the Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
- The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain was built by BAM International.
- And on a less visible note, geotechnical company FUGRO for example did the soil research for the Burj Khalifa.
- As far as sustainability is concerned, both countries have ambitious goals for their future energy mix, so fields like energy efficiency and sustainable energy, and also in areas like sustainable agriculture, water management or reuse of waste provide ample opportunities for cooperation.
- The rapid expansion and diversification of the UAE's economy, and the attractive business climate have attracted a large number of Dutch entrepreneurs to the country.
- There are over 250 Dutch companies in the UAE, active in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, aerospace, infrastructure and dredging, among others.
- In addition, there are two Dutch social clubs, the 'Nederland's Vereeniging' in Dubai, and the 'Dutch in Abu Dhabi' in Abu Dhabi. They organise social gatherings and sports tournaments such as desert rallies. They are also of great help to Dutch people who have just moved to the UAE.
- Furthermore, there are two Dutch business councils, both very active: the Netherlands Business Council in Dubai and the Benelux Business Council in Abu Dhabi. Both councils provide a platform for Dutch businesses to get together and discuss business opportunities, and they help new entrants onto the market and liaise with Emirati counterparts.
- Cultural cooperation varied between the two sides, as the embassy in The Hague introduces the Dutch society to the traditions of the tolerant Emirati society, through many activities organized by the embassy in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Such as the yearly participation in the Embassies Festival, where food, drinks, photos and clothes, that reflects the rich Emirati heritage were presented.
- It is also known how much the Dutch community is interested in art and museums, so the embassy works to build bridges of knowledge and exchange ideas between the Emirati and Dutch sides in this regard.
- In addition, the embassy interested in exploring science achievements and the latest news achieved scientifically, through media or visiting several Dutch universities, which are among the most important universities in the world, especially in the fields of agriculture and food technology.
This interactive page provides Emirati travelers with personalized travel guidance and essential entry requirements based on their selected destination. Through a user-friendly map interface, travelers can quickly access important information, understand destination-specific regulations and requirements, and prepare confidently for their international journey.
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This interactive page provides non-UAE citizens with clear and accessible information about visa requirements for entering the United Arab Emirates. Users can search for their country or nationality and quickly determine whether they are eligible for visa-free entry or are required to obtain a visa before travelling, helping them plan their visit and complete the necessary arrangements in advance.
- Search for visa information by country or nationality.
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- Prepare the required travel and visa arrangements before departure.
