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 UAE-Senegal relations and explored avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation. Focus areas of their discussions included investment, economic development, and growth initiatives. Additionally, they shared perspectives on regional and international matters of mutual concern. This meeting occurred in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also centered on preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Abu Dhabi will host the event jointly with Senegal from December 8 to 10. The conference aims to promote progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders addressed water-related priorities, emphasizing their significance for the socio-economic advancement of both nations and the broader international community.
This conference is a key element of the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly confirmed the revised dates in May, scheduling the event from December 8 through 10. It will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues tackling major issues related to water and sanitation. The preparatory process involves governments, international organizations, and other recognized stakeholders, with Abu Dhabi designated as the host city for the main conference activities.
Water Conference as a Central Element in Bilateral Engagement
Prior to this, the UAE and Senegal had already engaged in discussions on trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to explore trade and investment opportunities within key sectors. The meeting also focused on ways to enhance economic collaboration, adding momentum to a series of official contacts aimed at boosting commercial and developmental ties through 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 holds the roles of UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their discussions included cooperation in investment and development sectors, along with ideas for expanding the bilateral relationship. They also exchanged viewpoints on shared interests, reinforcing the broader agenda outlined during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through Strategic Cooperation
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly emphasized investment, trade, and development efforts in high-level dialogues this year. Representatives from both nations have held multiple meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, working collaboratively on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference. Earlier in 2026, Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory session in Dakar, bringing together governments and stakeholders to align priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference aims to speed up the progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water and sanitation. Current United Nations statistics reveal that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The event will address key themes such as financing, cooperation, environmental pressures, and water accessibility. For the UAE and Senegal, it signifies a major joint international effort within a broader framework of economic, investment, and development cooperation.