The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted special film screenings at the Diplomatic Club in Muscat on Sunday. This event celebrated 400 years of maritime ties between Oman and the Netherlands. The screenings highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
H.E. Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, inaugurated the event. She highlighted the importance of the shared maritime history between Oman and the Netherlands. Kloth emphasized how this historical connection continues to shape their environmental collaboration today. She remarked, “This event underscores the shared importance we place on preserving our natural world and its ecosystems—values deeply rooted in both our histories.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a screening of Wild Oman: The Wonder of Arabia, a documentary by Omani filmmaker Maisa al Hooti. The documentary takes viewers through Oman’s diverse natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and its abundant marine life. Al Hooti shared that her inspiration for the project was to highlight Oman’s biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
Dutch filmmaker Ruben Smit also presented excerpts from his documentary WAD, which focuses on the Wadden Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe’s most vital ecosystems. Smit discussed the growing challenges that climate change poses to coastal regions and stressed the need for international cooperation. He stated, “Films like WAD are a call to action, reminding us of the urgent need to protect and restore our natural world for future generations.”
The event underscored the strong partnership between Oman and the Netherlands, reflecting their shared commitment to environmental sustainability. Through cultural exchange and environmental collaboration, the two nations continue to strengthen their ties.
