ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during a working visit to the United Arab Emirates. The leaders examined the state of relations between the UAE and Senegal, emphasizing efforts to broaden bilateral collaboration. Their discussions covered investment, economic activities, and development initiatives. Additionally, they shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The meeting was held in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also centered on preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host this event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. The conference’s primary aim is to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. Both leaders emphasized the significance of water-related priorities for economic and social progress within their nations and on the international stage.
The upcoming conference is a key element of ongoing cooperation between the two countries. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised dates in May, moving the event to December 8 through 10. The program will include plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues addressing critical water and sanitation issues. Governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders actively participated in the preparatory process, with Abu Dhabi designated as the venue for the main sessions.
Water Conference as a Central Element of Bilateral Agenda
Earlier engagements between the UAE and Senegal on trade, investment, and development laid the groundwork for this cooperation. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to discuss trade relations, investment prospects, and sectors of priority. They also explored avenues to deepen economic collaboration. These conversations build upon a series of official exchanges focused on commercial growth and development partnerships scheduled for 2026.
During his visit to the UAE, President Faye also held talks with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour, serving as UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, discussed cooperation in investment and development and ways to strengthen bilateral ties. The two leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s talks with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic Collaboration
This year has seen a marked increase in discussions between the UAE and Senegal on investment, trade, and development at high levels. Officials from both nations have convened in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. The two governments have also collaborated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar earlier in 2026. This process involved government officials and stakeholders working together to identify priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference aims to boost the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 related to water and sanitation. According to current United Nations data, billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will address issues such as financing, cooperation, environmental challenges, and water access. For both the UAE and Senegal, the conference symbolizes a significant joint international effort within their broader relationship framework that encompasses economic, investment, and development cooperation.