King and Queen to visit Expo 2020 Dubai on the Netherlands' National day

(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) Dubai: Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the Netherlands Pavilion at expo 2020 Dubai during the Netherlands' National day on 3rd November 2021. They will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, Tom de Bruijn, who will be simultaneously leading a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on sustainable urban development.

Nearly 50 Dutch companies from the water, sustainable energy, food, urban development and logistics sectors are participating in the trade mission.“I'm pleased that so many Dutch entrepreneurs see opportunities for growth here”, De Bruijn says.“There's great demand in the UAE and Gulf region for sustainable solutions in these sectors. For instance, ways to grow crops using less water. Our companies have a lot to offer. Expo 2020 Dubai and the Netherlands Pavilion offers them a fantastic podium to showcase themselves to the Gulf region and the rest of the world. The Netherlands Government is keen to help them capitalize on this opportunity.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mandated the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to organize the trade mission. Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), is the lead business representative. The mission is part of a broader six-month programme at the Netherlands Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. It includes a number of weeks centered around specific themes, during which Dutch businesses and other organizations in the highlighted sectors can grow their networks connect with partners in the Gulf region and beyond. Themes include water, energy, food security, climate and healthcare.

The official ceremony of the National day will take place at Al Wasl Plaza. In preparation of the Trade Mission and on the occasion of celebrating the National Day, the Netherlands Pavilion will be closed for Expo visitors on the 2nd and 3rd of November.

About the Netherlands Pavilion :
The Netherlands Pavilion, located at the Sustainability District at Expo 2020 Dubai, is open to visitors starting from 1st October 2021 until 31st March 2022. The pavilion has a giant green food cone known as the 'Biotope' as the centre of attraction. The 18m vertical farm is covered with 9300 edible plants and irrigated with the harvested water from the air (approx. 800-1000 litres daily) using innovative Dutch technologies. With these high-tech advancements and more in offering, the pavilion aims to be a true platform for sustainability and circularity initiatives thereby, enabling visitors to experience the Netherlands' expertise in uniting water, energy and food. Dutch businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations have specific knowledge and proficiency in these fields and can therefore, play a key role in finding solutions that contribute to a more sustainable planet. Possessing a naturally controlled climate, the pavilion's structure is constructed using locally sourced materials that will be recycled after Expo period, minimizing its ecological footprint. 

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