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. During their discussions, the leaders examined the state of their countries’ relations and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. Their dialogue centered on investment opportunities, economic activities, and development initiatives, alongside sharing perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual concern. The meeting was held in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
In addition to these topics, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye deliberated on preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference scheduled for December. The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host this event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, with the primary goal of advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to clean water and sanitation. Their discussions highlighted water-related priorities and underscored the significance of water security for economic and social development both domestically and globally.
This conference is a key element of ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed the revised dates for the conference in May, moving it to December 8-10. The event will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues addressing critical issues surrounding water and sanitation. The planning process has involved governments, international bodies, and other accredited stakeholders, with Abu Dhabi hosting the main sessions.
Water Conference Central to Bilateral Agenda
Earlier engagements between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly emphasized trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to discuss trade relations and potential investments in strategic sectors. They also explored ways to deepen economic cooperation, adding to a series of official interactions aimed at strengthening commercial ties and development partnerships throughout 2026.
During his recent visit to the UAE, President Faye also held talks with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour is UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their discussion covered avenues for collaboration in investment and development, as well as opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation. They shared their views on issues of common interest, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic Ties Continues
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have seen a marked increase in discussions on investment, trade, and development initiatives this year. Officials from both nations have participated in meetings held in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. Additionally, the two governments have collaborated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar earlier in 2026. This gathering brought together representatives from governments and stakeholders to set priorities for the upcoming December event in the UAE.
The conference aims to accelerate efforts to fulfill Sustainable Development Goal 6 related to water and sanitation. Current United Nations data indicates that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will focus on issues such as financing, international cooperation, environmental challenges, and water access. For both the UAE and Senegal, this conference signifies a major joint international effort within a broader framework of economic, investment, and development cooperation.