Sustainability key focus during Sheikh Hamdan's Expo tour with Dutch royals

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at EXPO 2020 Dubai.

They discussed new avenues to enhance trade and share expertise across various sectors. Sustainability was a key focus of the talks and the inspiration behind the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Royal visit crowns the Netherlands’ National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai#WamNews https://t.co/vmUy52B4i3 pic.twitter.com/MXybJ5l2xw

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) November 3, 2021

Located in the Sustainability District, the pavilion has its own climate system, and produces its own water from the desert using solar power.

The pavilion is designed as a biotope, giving visitors a unique sensory experience.

It also features a 17-metre tall cone which is a vertical farm, supplying a variety of produce including mushrooms.

Their trip also coincides with the visit of a Dutch trade mission that aims to solve global challenges and deepen relations with the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

King Willem-Alexander praised the UAE’s falcon-shaped pavilion, wishing the UAE "which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, a future filled with strength and honour".

A Royal Farm Visit

A strawberry farm in Al Ain hosted King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

The greenhouse where the strawberries are grown round the year, use Dutch technology to manage the climate and delicate ecosystem. The greenhouse is specifically tailored to produce in an arid climate such as the UAE.

The crops are grown chemical free and pollinated by bumblebees.