Under the invitation and sponsorship of the Dutch Embassy, Hadhramout University held an initial virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams, bringing together its representatives with scientific leaders from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, a UNESCO-affiliated institution in the Netherlands. This virtual meeting, which successfully bridged geographical distances, aimed to strengthen water security and sustainable development in Hadhramout.
The introductory meeting was held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with the Dutch Embassy hosting this constructive dialogue by inviting both IHE Delft and the Center for Environmental Studies and Water Resources, along with Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology Faculty at Hadhramout University. The discussion focused on enhancing scientific and technical cooperation.
Key topics included:
- Utilizing modern technologies such as the WaPOR platform for monitoring and analyzing water productivity.
- Developing advanced irrigation methods to improve efficiency.
- Supporting and empowering small-scale farmers in Wadi Hajar to strengthen water and food security in the region.
The Dutch side was represented by:
- Dr. Marloes Mul
- Dr. Ahmed Al-Najjar
- Dr. Amitangshu Acharya
Representing Hadhramout University:
From the Center for Environmental Studies and Water Resources:
Professor Dr. Khaled Bawahidi
Dr. Salah Bin Farejan
From the College of Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology:
Professor Dr. Khaled Al-Rubaki
Professor Dr. Salem Bazar.
This virtual meeting serves as a model for flexible and effective international cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges. It marks the foundation of a promising strategic partnership aimed at localizing global knowledge and applying cutting-edge scientific solutions to water-related challenges, in line with the University’s leading role in community service and scientific research.
In conclusion, Prof. Khalid Bawahidi, Director of the Center for Environmental Studies, expressed sincere gratitude to the Dutch Embassy for its initiative in supporting this collaboration. He also thanked Dr. Mohammed Lahmadi for his valuable efforts in translation and facilitating the technical dialogue between both sides, which significantly contributed to the success and impact of the meeting.