Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, recently completed a successful visit to the Netherlands and Belgium. The goal of the visit was to build stronger partnerships in advanced science, innovation, and technology, and to open up new areas for research and development (R&D) between the UAE and these countries.
This visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to developing strong international relationships in critical technology sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), space, health tech, and digital innovation.
Strengthening UAE-Netherlands Tech Cooperation
The first part of the delegation's trip took place in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where the focus was on improving cooperation in cutting-edge technologies and strategic sectors. During this phase of the visit, the delegation met with senior Dutch government officials and technology leaders.
Ameirah AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, joined the delegation throughout the tour. Together, they took part in high-level meetings and events to explore shared interests in innovation, science, and technology development.
Key Meetings with Dutch Government Officials
During the two-day visit, Omran Sharaf and the UAE team met with a number of senior Dutch officials to discuss future partnerships in science and technology.
Some of the officials they met included:
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Michiel Sweers, Vice Minister for Foreign Economic Relations
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Ernst Noorman, Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Affairs
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Erwin Nijsse, Director-General of Business Policy and Innovation
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Harm van de Wetering, Director of the Netherlands Space Office
These meetings focused on how both countries can work together in important fields like cybersecurity, innovation policy, economic growth, and space cooperation.
Technology Roundtable with Dutch Companies
The delegation also took part in a technology and innovation roundtable with leading Dutch businesses and research organizations. The discussion focused on emerging technologies such as:
Both sides expressed interest in building partnerships that would allow researchers, startups, and institutions to collaborate more closely on real-world tech solutions.
Visits to Dutch Research Institutions and Companies
To gain deeper insights, the UAE delegation visited several of the Netherlands' top technology institutions. These visits allowed them to explore possible collaborations in applied research and high-tech development. The organizations visited include:
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TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)
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Deltares, a leader in water and environmental research
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ASML, a world-leading company in semiconductor and chip-making technology
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Eindhoven University of Technology, known for strong ties between industry and academic research
These visits highlighted the Netherlands’ strength in innovation, engineering, and technology development, and opened the door for future cooperation with UAE-based research institutes.
Exploring Nanoelectronics in Belgium
After wrapping up the visit to the Netherlands, the UAE delegation travelled to Belgium, where they visited the headquarters and labs of imec. Imec is a global leader in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, known for its work in developing the next generation of semiconductors and smart technologies.
At imec, the delegation learned about the latest research in:
The visit was an opportunity for the UAE to explore new research partnerships with one of Europe’s most advanced innovation centers.
Members of the UAE Delegation
Along with Omran Sharaf, the delegation included senior representatives from key UAE organizations involved in science, research, and technology. These included:
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Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Technology Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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EDGE Group, a major technology and defense company
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Dubai Future Foundation, focused on innovation and future readiness
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MGX, a tech-focused investment and strategy company
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G42, known for artificial intelligence and cloud computing
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Technology Innovation Institute (TII), part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)
Each of these institutions plays a key role in advancing the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and helping the country achieve its long-term scientific and economic goals.
Why This Visit Matters for the UAE
This visit is an important step in the UAE’s strategy to become a global leader in innovation, science, and future technology. It shows how the country is looking beyond its borders to create strong international partnerships.
The UAE is already home to many world-class research centers and has launched ambitious plans in space exploration, AI, and sustainability. By working closely with leading global institutions in the Netherlands and Belgium, the UAE can:
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Learn from global best practices
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Build joint research and innovation projects
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Improve its local tech talent pool
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Expand economic and scientific opportunities
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Support the goals of UAE Vision 2031 and the National Innovation Strategy
A Future Built on Global Collaboration
Omran Sharaf’s leadership in this mission underlines how the UAE sees science and technology as tools for building a better future. The delegation’s meetings and visits reflect a shared desire to work together on creating new solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.
By connecting with global centers of excellence like imec, ASML, and TNO, the UAE is laying the groundwork for:
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Smarter cities
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Better healthcare through technology
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Space missions with international cooperation
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Secure digital systems
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Greener, more sustainable innovation
This approach not only supports economic diversification but also helps to create a knowledge-based economy that can lead in global tech development.
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