Muscat: The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman has commenced a year-long celebration to commemorate 400 years of maritime history and the strong connections between the two countries, featuring a remarkable culinary event at the historic Mirani Fort on Wednesday.
Hosted by Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the evening gathered dignitaries, business leaders, and local community members for a lively exhibition of shared heritage and collaboration.
Central to the event was a canapé menu designed by Michelin-starred Dutch chef Peter Gast alongside renowned Omani chef Dina Macki. This innovative menu harmoniously combined Dutch and Omani flavors, incorporating ingredients such as mussels and dates, which represent the blending of traditions that have characterized the relationship between the two nations.
Ambassador Stella Kloth of the Netherlands to Oman emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “It’s remarkable that two nations, separated by vast oceans, have forged such a lasting partnership over centuries. Looking ahead, events like this are crucial for inspiring and educating future generations, showcasing the collaborative opportunities that await us.”
The culinary evening marked the official launch of a series of exciting initiatives planned for 2025 to celebrate this historic occasion. The celebrations will emphasize the richness of Dutch-Omani relations through various events aimed at promoting cultural exchange, enhancing environmental awareness, and honoring the shared maritime heritage of both nations.
Year-long festivities are in the works
Among the planned initiatives is a sports event organized under the Dutch football federation (KNVB) WorldCoaches program in January, which will merge football tournaments with leadership workshops to engage youth and communities throughout Oman. Another significant event will be the screening of wildlife documentaries from both Dutch and Omani filmmakers in February, followed by a discussion featuring Ruben Smit and Maisa Al Hooti, aimed at enhancing the understanding of the shared natural environment between the two nations.
Creative and educational endeavors will also play a key role in the celebrations, with school competitions such as “Emotions of the Oceans” encouraging students to delve into marine conservation topics, alongside marine-themed workshops conducted by the Green Life Art Group to promote environmental awareness among younger audiences, scheduled for March. These activities underscore the mutual commitment of the Netherlands and Oman to ocean protection and sustainability.
The celebrations will also explore the maritime heritage of both nations through a maritime seminar during Oman Water Week in April, which will serve as a forum for discussing innovative strategies related to water and sustainability. This theme will be further examined through interactive events like Port Days in Sohar, showcasing the rich maritime history that connects the two countries, along with the unveiling of a commemorative stamp celebrating 400 years of friendship.
To enhance the cultural festivities, King’s Day will be marked with a lively National Day reception in the final week of April, featuring Dutch cultural presentations, while the Dutch Cultural Week later in the year will offer a more in-depth exploration of the Netherlands' art, music, and traditions.
These year-long celebrations are designed to inspire future generations while reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the Netherlands and Oman. By commemorating 400 years of maritime history, the Embassy aims to honor the past while laying the groundwork for future collaboration and mutual development.
