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 leaders discussed strengthening ties between their nations, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as investment, economic development, and regional engagement. Their discussions also covered regional and international issues of mutual concern. This meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
The two heads of state also addressed preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host this event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, aiming to boost progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. They shared perspectives on water priorities and underscored their significance for socio-economic growth both domestically and globally.
This conference is a key aspect of the ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised dates for the event in May, moving it to December 8 through 10. It will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues addressing critical water and sanitation issues. The organization of the conference involves governments, international bodies, and other stakeholders, with Abu Dhabi hosting the main sessions.
Water conference central to bilateral priorities
Prior to this, earlier UAE-Senegal interactions had focused on trade, investment, and development. President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar on September 4. Their discussion centered on expanding trade, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation in key sectors. These talks complemented ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen economic and development ties throughout 2026.
During his UAE visit, President Faye also held a meeting with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour, who serves as UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, discussed avenues for investment, development, and ways to deepen bilateral collaboration. They exchanged views on shared interests, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed.
Economic collaboration remains a primary focus
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly prioritized investment, trade, and development during high-level discussions this year. Officials from both nations have convened in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, working collaboratively on preparations for the UN Water Conference. Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory session earlier in 2026, bringing together governments and stakeholders to set priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference in December aims to speed up the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to water and sanitation. According to current United Nations data, billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The event will explore themes such as financing, cooperation, environmental challenges, and water accessibility. For both the UAE and Senegal, this gathering signifies a major joint international effort within their broader diplomatic and economic partnerships.