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Benelux business council Abu Dhabi

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MISSION

We aim for thriving Benelux businesses and professionals in the UAE and flourishing relationships between the UAE and Benelux.

PURPOSE

The Benelux Business Council in Abu Dhabi serves as a crucial bridge to foster economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). We strive to foster mutual growth and networking by facilitating trade, investments, and knowledge exchange in key sectors such as technology, commodities, financial services, space, food, water, renewable energy, and logistics.

We provide a dynamic platform for networking and strategic partnerships between its members, UAE and and Benelux public and private sector entities. 

WE DO SO BY

•   fostering networking possibilities for our members (such as networking events, workplace visits);

•   linking our members with embassies, consulate-generals and trade agencies. UAE government authorities and UAE corporates (such as organising round table meetings on specific subjects);

•   participating in BeNeLux trade missions coming to the UAE;

•   identifying business opportunities for our members;

•   keeping members abreast on developments and the changes in the regulatory environment;

•   being a first port of call for BeNeLux investors wishing to invest in Abu Dhabi.

HISTORY

In May 2009, Oscar Rijcken-Voigt (Chairman of the Netherlands Business Council in Dubai), Didier Jacques and Youri Andre (Co-founder and Coordinator of the BelgoLux Association in Abu Dhabi) initiated discussions about the needs and benefits of starting a business platform in Abu Dhabi. The importance to join forces between Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg in order to reach a wider audience became quickly apparent and Richard Oude Reimerink (Chairman of the Nederlandse Vereniging in Abu Dhabi - NVAD) joined to represent Dutch interests. 

The idea of a tri-nation business council in the UAE's capital was welcomed by their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Belgium and The Netherlands. After a formal meeting kick-off meeting in 2009, Luxembourger Frank Thome joined to share his vast experience as Committee Member of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce (BENCHAM) in China.

In 2010, an interim set-up Board for the BeNeLux Business Council was established. It consisted of Filip de Vos (3GGulf), Frank Thome (Rotarex), Jean-Yves Andre (Ipratec ME), Joost van Nueten (FALCK), Patrice Deans (Besix/ Six Construct), Robin Voogd (LeasePlan), Richard Oude Reimerink (Tebodin ME), Salar Babajan (Shell Abu Dhabi), and Youri Andre (Sorouh Real Estate).

On the 16th of June 2010 the interim Board visited His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan to submit their humble request to have His Highness as Honorary Chairman of the BeNeLux Business Council.

The BeNeLux Business Council Abu Dhabi became an official registered entity on the 3rd of October 2010, 50 years after the creation of the Benelux Economic Union. The BeNeLux Business Council is the first business council in Abu Dhabi that encompasses three nations at once.

Since the first event in November 2010, until today, the BeNeLux Business Council has experienced significant growth. From just a handful of pioneering entrepreneurs and career expatriates, the BeNeLux Business Council has grown to approximately 150 entrepreneurs, managers and executives from a large variety of industries. Many of whom attend our 30 plus events that are organised annually in order to promote the business interests between Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi & the UAE.

Contact Us:

Email: info@beneluxbc.com

Phone: +971 52 462 5253

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