ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two heads of state examined the relationship between their nations and explored potential avenues for expanding bilateral collaboration. Their discussions centered on investment, economic development, and regional progress, alongside sharing perspectives on international issues of mutual concern. The encounter took place in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
In Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also reviewed preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The UAE and Senegal are jointly hosting this significant event from December 8 to 10. The conference aims to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. Both leaders exchanged views on water priorities and their significance for economic and social growth both regionally and globally.
This conference underscores a key element of ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. Following the United Nations General Assembly’s approval of the revised schedule in May, the event has been set for December 8–10. The program will feature plenary sessions along with six interactive dialogues addressing major issues in water and sanitation. The organizers have also engaged governments, international institutions, and other stakeholders throughout the preparatory process. Abu Dhabi will host the primary conference sessions.
Water Conference as a Pillar of Bilateral Engagement
Earlier this month, the UAE and Senegal continued their high-level exchanges on trade, investment, and development matters. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar. Discussions focused on trade relations, investment opportunities, and ways to deepen economic cooperation. These meetings form part of a broader series of official engagements during 2026, emphasizing commercial ties and partnership development.
During his latest 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 prospects for investment and development cooperation. Both sides explored options for expanding their bilateral partnership and shared perspectives on mutual interests. This meeting reinforced the broader agenda outlined during President Faye’s discussions with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic Ties Continues to Grow
Throughout this year, senior-level discussions have increasingly highlighted investment, trade, and development cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. Officials from both nations have convened in Abu Dhabi and Dakar to facilitate these efforts. Additionally, the two governments collaborated on preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory meeting earlier in 2026. This gathering united governments and stakeholders to outline key priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
Scheduled for December, the conference will seek to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 regarding water and sanitation. United Nations data indicate that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The event will tackle issues such as financing, cooperation, environmental pressures, and water accessibility. For both the UAE and Senegal, the summit also signifies a significant joint international effort within the broader scope of their economic, investment, and development relations.