ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during a working visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two leaders examined the relationship between the UAE and Senegal and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral collaboration. Discussions concentrated on investment, economic development, and regional growth, while also exchanging perspectives on international issues of mutual concern. This meeting was held in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
In addition, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye reviewed preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The UAE and Senegal will serve as co-hosts of the event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. The conference aims to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. They also discussed the water priorities that are vital for socioeconomic advancement both domestically and globally.
This conference is integral to ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed new dates for the event in May, shifting it to December 8 through 10. The agenda includes plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues addressing key issues related to water and sanitation. The organizers have involved governments, international institutions, and other accredited stakeholders in the preparatory stages. Main conference activities will be hosted in Abu Dhabi.
Water-focused agenda shapes bilateral priorities
The September discussions built on earlier UAE-Senegal engagement around trade, investment, and development initiatives. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar. Their talks centered on strengthening trade and investment ties and exploring opportunities within key sectors. Furthermore, they examined ways to broaden economic collaboration, complementing a series of official exchanges throughout 2026 aimed at boosting commercial links and development initiatives.
During his UAE visit, President Faye also held a meeting 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, alongside potential avenues to deepen bilateral relations. They also shared perspectives on issues of common interest. This meeting reinforced the broader agenda addressed during President Faye’s discussions with Sheikh Mohamed.
Strengthening economic ties remains essential
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly emphasized investment, trade, and developmental cooperation in high-level dialogues throughout this year. Officials from both nations have held meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, and joint efforts have been made toward the United Nations Water Conference preparations. A high-level preparatory session was hosted earlier in 2026 in Dakar, bringing together government representatives and stakeholders to identify key priorities before the conference in December in the UAE.
The upcoming conference in December aims to fast-track the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation. According to current United Nations figures, billions of individuals still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will focus on themes such as financing, international cooperation, environmental sustainability, and water accessibility. For both the UAE and Senegal, this conference represents a significant joint international effort within a broader framework of economic, investment, and development cooperation.