Muscat – Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted special film screenings at Diplomatic Club in Muscat on Sunday celebrating 400 years of maritime ties between Oman and Holland.

The screening event was inaugurated by H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of Netherlands to Oman, who highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries. She emphasised the significance of the shared maritime history and its continuing influence on environmental collaboration today. “This event underscores the shared importance we place on preserving our natural world and its ecosystems – values that are deeply woven into both our histories,” she said.

Omani filmmaker Maisa al Hooti presented her acclaimed documentary Wild Oman: The Wonder of Arabia, which explores the country’s diverse natural landscapes, from deserts and mountains to its rich marine life. She shared her inspiration behind the project which was to spotlight Oman’s biodiversity and promote environmental awareness.

The event also featured a presentation by Dutch filmmaker Ruben Smit, who showcased excerpts from his documentary WAD, focused on the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most vital ecosystems.

Smit highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change on coastal regions and called for stronger international cooperation to safeguard these fragile environments. “We face many challenges in preserving our natural environments,” he said. “Films like WAD are a call to acti- on, reminding us of the urgent ne-ed to protect and restore our natural world for future generations.”

The event reinforced the shared commitment of Oman and the Netherlands to environmental sustainability and cultural exchange, reflecting their deep-rooted ties that continue to evolve through cooperation.