ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two leaders explored the state of their nations’ bilateral ties and deliberated on potential avenues to deepen cooperation. Their discussions emphasized investment, economic initiatives, and developmental projects. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. This meeting occurred in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
During their talks, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also examined preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The UAE and Senegal are jointly hosting this event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. The conference aims to boost efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders focused on water-related priorities and their crucial role in fostering economic and social development both domestically and internationally.
This conference stands as a key element of the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised conference dates in May, shifting the event to December 8 through 10. The program will feature plenary sessions alongside six interactive dialogues addressing essential water and sanitation challenges. Organizers have included governments, international organizations, and other accredited stakeholders in the preparations. Abu Dhabi will host the main sessions of the conference.
Water conference underscores bilateral priorities
The September discussions built upon earlier engagements between the UAE and Senegal concerning trade, investment, and development. President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar on September 4, where they reviewed trade and investment prospects and explored opportunities in key sectors. Their dialogue also aimed to enhance economic collaboration, contributing to a series of official exchanges focused on commercial growth and development partnerships set for 2026.
In addition, President Faye held a meeting with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi during his latest visit to the UAE. Sheikh Mansour is the UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their conversation covered cooperation in investment and development, along with ways to expand the bilateral partnership. They also exchanged views on issues of shared interest, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Strengthening economic ties remains a primary objective
In 2026, relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly focused on investment, trade, and development, with senior officials from both sides engaging in multiple discussions in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. The two nations have collaborated on preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar earlier this year. This gathering brought together government representatives and stakeholders to discuss priorities ahead of the December conference in the UAE.
The conference in December is intended to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets water and sanitation. Current UN data indicate 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, cooperation, environmental challenges, and water accessibility. For the UAE and Senegal, this event signifies a significant joint international effort within their broader relationship, which includes economic, investment, and developmental cooperation.