The United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands are continuing to enhance their trade and investment relations across promising economic sectors, which include renewable energy, innovation, advanced technology, agricultural technology, and tourism.
The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, welcomed Dutch Minister of Trade and Development, Okke de Vries, for the third meeting of the Joint Economic Committee between the two nations in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, Amira Obaid Al Hefiti, alongside several senior government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries, all aimed at bolstering bilateral trade and investment ties.
In his opening remarks to the joint committee, Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of the partnership between the UAE and the Netherlands, stating, “The discussions during this third meeting reaffirm our mutual focus on innovation, commitment to sustainable development, and the vast opportunities for expanding our commercial and investment connections across a wide range of future-oriented sectors.”
He added, “The Netherlands is a key partner for the UAE, and together we can leverage our shared expertise in energy, renewable resources, technology, and sustainable agriculture to foster economic growth and innovation in both our friendly nations.”
In response, Okke de Vries remarked, “The UAE is an essential partner for the Netherlands, with our bilateral relations encompassing political dialogue and the fight against transnational organized crime.”
Additionally, she mentioned that through the Joint Economic Committee, they aim to enhance their bilateral trade, which surpassed €13 billion in 2024. “We also strive to create new opportunities for more than 500 Dutch companies operating across the UAE,” she remarked.
The Netherlands ranks as the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, with non-oil bilateral trade reaching $4.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 6.5% annual growth.
The UAE serves as a key destination in the Middle East and North Africa for Dutch agricultural products and equipment, while mutual investments have reached $20 billion.
The meeting also included discussions on enhancing collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, and smart transportation solutions. The two nations agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Committee in the Netherlands.