Wednesday 11 / December / 2024
Muscat: The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman kicked off a year-long celebration marking 400 years of maritime history and the enduring ties between the two nations with a spectacular culinary event at the historic Mirani Fort on Wednesday.
Under the auspices of Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the evening brought together dignitaries, business leaders, and members of the local community in a vibrant showcase of shared heritage and collaboration.
At the heart of the event was a canapé menu crafted by Michelin-starred Dutch chef Peter Gast and acclaimed Omani chef Dina Macki. The innovative menu blended Dutch and Omani flavours, with dishes featuring ingredients such as mussels and dates, symbolising the fusion of traditions that have defined the relationship between the two nations.
Ambassador Stella Kloth of the Netherlands to Oman highlighted the significance of this milestone. She said, “It’s truly extraordinary that two nations, separated by vast oceans, have built such an enduring partnership over centuries. Looking to the future, events like this are vital for inspiring and educating new generations, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration that lie ahead.”
The culinary evening officially launched a series of exciting initiatives planned for 2025 to honour this historic milestone. The celebrations will highlight the depth and breadth of Dutch-Omani relations through a variety of events designed to inspire cultural exchange, foster environmental awareness, and celebrate the shared maritime heritage of both nations.
Year-long celebrations planned
Among these initiatives is a sports event under the Dutch football federation (KNVB) WorldCoaches initiative in January, combining football tournaments with leadership workshops to engage youth and communities across Oman. Another highlight will be the screening of Dutch and Omani wildlife documentaries in February, followed by a discussion with filmmakers Ruben Smit and Maisa Al Hooti, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world shared by the two countries.
Creative and educational projects also feature prominently in the celebrations, with school competitions like “Emotions of the Oceans” inviting students to explore marine conservation themes, and marine-themed workshops by the Green Life Art Group encouraging environmental stewardship among younger generations, scheduled in March. These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of the Netherlands and Oman to protecting the oceans and fostering sustainability.
The celebrations will also delve into the nations’ maritime heritage with a maritime seminar during Oman Water Week in April, providing a platform to discuss innovative approaches to water and sustainability. This theme will be further explored through interactive events like Port Days in Sohar, which will highlight the rich maritime history that binds the two nations, and the launch of a commemorative stamp symbolising 400 years of friendship.
To add to the cultural festivities, King’s Day will be celebrated with a vibrant National Day reception in the last week of April that will feature Dutch cultural showcases, while the Dutch Cultural Week later in the year promises a deeper dive into the art, music, and traditions of the Netherlands.
These year-long celebrations aim to inspire new generations while further strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the Netherlands and Oman. By commemorating 400 years of maritime history, the Embassy seeks to honour the past while building a foundation for future collaboration and mutual growth.
