The Netherlands on Tuesday kicked off the construction of its Expo 2020 country pavilion in Dubai with an innovative water harvest. The Dutch pavilion showcases the country's innovation, inventiveness and openness.

As a symbol of innovation and connection, a senior Dutch diplomat made a presentation on water harvesting, detailing the Dutch Expo theme ‘Uniting Water Food and Energy', thus reflecting the country's knowledge and expertise in the sustainability sector, said a statement from the Dutch Consulate in Dubai.

Dutch Consul-General and Commissioner-General, Hans Sandee, presented on behalf of the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag, a bottle of water harvested from air in the Netherlands to Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, Executive Director of Expo 2020 Dubai, during the ceremony.

"It is important to realise our responsibility towards our planet and future generations. By showcasing home-grown solutions that link the issues of water, energy and food, we are keen to contribute to Expo 2020 Dubai," remarked Minister Sigrid Kaag, in a speech recorded from the beach in the Netherlands, which was broadcast at the event.

Some 250 Dutch businesses are active in the UAE, with Dutch exports to the Gulf region totalling more than €11 billion.

To be constructed by the Netherlands, the unique biotope has been designed by V8 Architects. It connects water, energy and food in a circular way.

The production of water from desert air powered by solar is one of the impressive inventions that will be on display from October 20 next year in the Dutch Pavilion, said the statement.

Al Ali said, "Today’s groundbreaking ceremony and this unique bottle of water harvested from air reflects the Netherlands’ innovative approach to Expo 2020 Dubai. We look forward to continuing to work with the Dutch team and seeing what other exciting technologies will feature in the Dutch pavilion at Expo 2020."

Dutch artist-innovator-entrepreneur Ap Verheggen and his team are the people behind the SunGlacier technology that makes this feat possible, it added.

"Our solar-powered water-from-air technology will enable us to produce food in the future without being dependent on rainfall, rivers or other traditional sources of water," stated Verheggen.-TradeArabia News Service