Holland supports Dubai Expo 2020

The Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frans Timmermans, has announced his country's official support for the UAE's bid to host Expo 2020 in Dubai.

The Minister announced this news during a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Dubai.

In a press release after the announcement, the minister was quoted as saying, "The Netherlands is very pleased to support the UAE in its bid for Expo 2020. The consultation and assessment to decide a balanced position was lengthy. The Netherlands was extremely impressed with the efforts the UAE has invested in their bid for Expo 2020. The plans and strategy the UAE has put in place are remarkable."

While in Dubai, the Minister also met Dutch companies that have a presence in the UAE. The chairmen of the Netherlands Business Council and the Benelux Business Council both welcomed the decision, while Dutch businesses have expressed a strong voice in favour of supporting the UAE’s bid for Expo 2020.

Members of the Business Council believe they can contribute substantially to the UAE to help realise plans for hosting the event.

With over 250 Dutch companies in the country, the Netherlands has a substantial presence representing many different sectors, such as oil and gas, water, hospitality, architecture, and creative design. Many UAE landmark projects have been developed with the aid of cutting-edge knowledge from the Netherlands.

One of the most internationally recognised symbols of Dubai and the UAE is Palm Island, land for which was dredged out by the Dutch company, Van Oord. While in the UAE, the Minister went on a boat trip to view the latest Van Oord land reclamation project, Jumana Island, a venture by Meraas Development, one of the key developers in Dubai.

The Netherlands wishes the UAE the best of luck in its endeavours to win the bid to host Expo 2020 in Dubai.

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