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 heads of state examined bilateral relations and discussed strategies to deepen cooperation, focusing on investment, economic development, and regional progress. Their dialogue also covered international issues of mutual concern. The meeting was held in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye included preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, the event aims to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders highlighted water-related priorities and their significance for economic and social growth both domestically and globally.
This conference is integral to the ongoing collaboration between the two nations. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised dates in May, moving the event to December. It will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues on critical water and sanitation issues, with governments, international bodies, and stakeholders involved in its preparation. Abu Dhabi will host the main conference activities.
Water Summit Shapes Bilateral Relations
The September meeting built upon previous engagements between the UAE and Senegal concerning trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar, discussing trade, investment prospects, and ways to deepen economic ties. These conversations complemented a series of official exchanges centered on commercial growth and development partnerships set for 2026.
During his recent UAE visit, President Faye also met 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 discussions focused on investment, development cooperation, and expanding bilateral collaboration, alongside sharing views on mutual interests. This meeting reinforced the broader agenda outlined during President Faye’s talks with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on Economic and Developmental Collaboration
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly centered on investment, trade, and development initiatives in high-level dialogues this year. Both countries have held meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dakar, working together on preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference. Senegal hosted a key preparatory session earlier in 2026, bringing government and stakeholder representatives together to identify priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
Scheduled for December, the conference aims to fast-track progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which addresses water and sanitation access. UN data reveal that billions lack safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The event will focus on financing, cooperation, environmental pressures, and water accessibility. For the UAE and Senegal, this joint effort underscores a significant step within their broader relationship encompassing economic, investment, and developmental cooperation.