ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two leaders examined the relationship between the UAE and Senegal and explored opportunities to deepen bilateral collaboration. Their discussions emphasized investment, economic development, and regional progress. Additionally, they shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The meeting occurred in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Focus was given to the preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, with Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye engaging on related topics. The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host the event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, aiming to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders’ dialogue underscored the significance of water-related priorities for economic and social advancement both domestically and globally.
This conference is a core component of the ongoing partnership between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed the revised dates in May, shifting the event to December 8 through 10. Attendees will participate in plenary sessions and six interactive discussions addressing critical issues in water and sanitation. The organization of the conference includes involvement from governments, international agencies, and other accredited stakeholders in the preparatory stages. The main sessions will be hosted in Abu Dhabi.
Water Conference as a Cornerstone for Bilateral Priorities
The September discussions follow previous high-level exchanges between UAE and Senegal concerning trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar, focusing on trade relationships and investment prospects in key sectors. They also considered strategies to expand economic collaboration. These talks are part of a series of official engagements throughout 2026, aimed at strengthening commercial ties and development partnerships.
During his latest visit to the UAE, President Faye also held a meeting with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour holds positions as UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their discussions covered cooperation in investment, development, and potential avenues for expanding bilateral collaboration. They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Economic Ties Continue to Drive Bilateral Cooperation
Increased focus on investment, trade, and development has marked recent high-level discussions between the UAE and Senegal this year. Officials from both nations have convened in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, with collaborative efforts also directed toward preparations for the UN Water Conference. Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar earlier in 2026, bringing together governments and stakeholders to outline priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference aims to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which relates to water and sanitation. UN data highlight that billions of individuals still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will address key issues such as financing, cooperation, environmental pressures, and water access. For the UAE and Senegal, this gathering signifies a major international effort within the framework of their broader economic, investment, and development relationship.