In 1763, a Dutch East India Company vessel, Amstelveen, wrecked off the remote shores of Ras Markaz in Oman’s Al Wusta Governorate. Thirty survivors embarked on a harrowing 400-kilometre journey north towards Muscat, battling hunger, heat and despair.
Remarkably, they encountered kindness and hospitality from Omani villagers — an early and powerful testimony to the values of courage, compassion and cooperation that have since shaped relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This maritime encounter was not only a survival story; it was the beginning of a civilisational dialogue between two seafaring nations. Both Oman and the Netherlands emerged over centuries as strategic maritime hubs, resilient in the face of geographic and climatic adversity and guided by a deep commitment to justice, modesty and innovation.
Fast forward to April 2025, as His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik visits the Netherlands, the relationship forged in hardship centuries ago is being renewed with vision and purpose — through concrete, transformative partnerships.
Building the Future Together: Mega projects rooted in shared strengths
1. Green Hydrogen and Port Innovation
The Amstelveen met its fate near Ras Markaz — a name that today has new significance as Oman accelerates the development of its green hydrogen economy along its southern coast. The Netherlands, a global leader in renewable energy and port logistics, is playing a key role. Recent talks during His Majesty’s visit reaffirm commitments to joint investment in green hydrogen hubs and enhancing Oman’s port infrastructure in collaboration with Dutch companies, aligning with Europe’s energy transition goals and Oman Vision 2040.
2. Sultan Haitham City: A smart urban model
Al Seeb will host the ambitious Sultan Haitham City — 15 million square metres designed to become a modern, smart and sustainable city for 100,000 residents. Dutch expertise in circular urban planning, sustainable mobility and water-sensitive design is being tapped to co-develop the project. Dutch firms have already signed several agreements to support this mega development, making it a new anchor of cooperation, echoing the resilience and forward-thinking of both nations.
3. Water management for climate resilience
The Netherlands has spent centuries learning how to manage water with humility and ingenuity. Oman, with its traditional aflaj irrigation systems and now growing climate challenges, is expanding cooperation with Dutch institutions to develop adaptive water strategies. These include sustainable desalination, aquifer recharge and flood management technologies tailored for arid conditions — reflecting a fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science.
A personal reflection: When history and humility meet
In 2012, I had the distinct honour of briefing Queen Beatrix, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during their state visit to Oman. Their attentiveness, grace and quiet strength left a lasting impression on me. They exemplified the values that define both our monarchies: humility in leadership, curiosity in engagement and respect for history.
As they listened to civil society perspectives with genuine interest, I was reminded of the legacy of the Amstelveen — where human dignity rose above crisis, and understanding took root between strangers. That meeting was more than diplomatic — it was deeply personal and life-changing, reaffirming for me that true partnerships are built on shared values, not just shared interests.
Conclusion
From a shipwreck in 1763 to state-level cooperation in 2025, the story of Oman and the Netherlands is one of continuity, character and courage. It is proof that historical memory can shape bold futures. The projects in green hydrogen, smart cities and water resilience are not merely transactions; they are chapters in a larger story — one that began on Oman’s shores and now sails confidently into a shared, sustainable future.
The spirit of the Amstelveen lives on — not in tragedy, but in the trust and collaboration it seeded between two great nations.
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