Muscat – The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Netherlands underscores the depth of this relationship and the shared priorities of both nations.
The visit aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and sustainable development.

In 2024, bilateral trade between Oman and the Netherlands reached approximately RO 181 million. Omani exports to the Netherlands totalled about RO 41.4 million, while imports from the Netherlands amounted to RO 125.9 million. Key exports included base metals, while machinery, mechanical devices, and electrical equipment were prominent imports.

Dutch investments in Oman stood at RO 390.5 million by the end of 2024, with Omani investments in the Netherlands reaching RO 278.3 million by the end of 2023. Additionally, approximately 155 companies with Dutch shares were registered in Oman by the end of 2024, with a total shareholding value exceeding RO 147.6 million.

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al Harthy, Oman’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, highlighted the historical ties dating back to 1670, emphasizing the peaceful and cooperative nature of the relationship. He noted that the state visit will pave the way for deeper cooperation in politics, economics, technology, logistics, education, culture, and tourism.

His Excellency stated that the visit of His Majesty the Sultan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands will lay the foundation for building strong and solid strategic relations and will have a significant impact on everything that benefits the two friendly countries and peoples. He added that preparations have focused on studying ways to activate and deepen cooperation in all political, economic, technological, logistical, educational, cultural, tourism and other fields.

Ambassador Al Harthy emphasised the potential for Oman and the Netherlands to become major trade hubs, leveraging their strategic locations and maritime expertise. He cited existing cooperation in oil and gas, water management, agriculture, logistics, technology, and renewable energy, including green hydrogen.

A pivotal aspect of the Oman-Netherlands partnership is the collaboration in green hydrogen. In November 2022, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP27 in Egypt, aiming to establish export and import routes for green hydrogen and related energy resources, positioning Oman as a gateway to Europe.

Building on this agreement, in December 2023, Oman, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), signed a Joint Study Agreement with the Port of Amsterdam, Zenith Energy Terminals, and GasLog. This collaboration focuses on developing a liquid hydrogen supply chain, facilitating the export of Omani-produced green hydrogen to Europe citeturn0search2.
Her Excellency Stella Kloth, Netherlands’ Ambassador to Oman, echoed the sentiment of strong historical ties, noting the 400-year relationship rooted in maritime trade. She highlighted the flourishing partnership in sustainable logistics, water management, and energy transformation, citing successful collaborations like the Port of Rotterdam’s partnership with Sohar Port and APM Terminals’ presence in Salalah.

Ambassador Kloth highlighted the importance of expanding trade and investment, fostering partnerships, and encouraging private sector engagement. She also highlighted cooperation in governance, knowledge exchange, and cultural and educational exchanges.
His Excellency Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of the royal visit in strengthening economic ties and promoting private sector collaboration. He highlighted the potential for further cooperation in logistics, renewable energy, water desalination, and hydroponic agriculture.

Cultural and educational exchanges continue to thrive between the two nations. In 2024, Oman participated in the Dutch Travel Week, showcasing its tourism offerings. The Sultanate also hosted Dutch sports figures in Dhofar Governorate, who contributed to promoting Oman through media and social media engagements.

Educationally, the number of Omani students in the Netherlands reached 61, including both undergraduate and postgraduate scholars. The establishment of the Sultan of Oman Chair for Oriental Studies and a Chair for Water Management further solidifies academic ties between the two countries.