ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The leaders examined the state of bilateral ties and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation. Focus areas during their discussions included investment, economic development, and regional issues. They also exchanged perspectives on matters of mutual regional and international concern. The meeting occurred in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
In addition, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye addressed preparations for the United Nations Water Conference scheduled for 2026. The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host the event in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, aiming to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders also discussed water-related priorities and their significance for the economic and social development of their nations and globally.
This conference plays a vital role in ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly confirmed the new dates in May, shifting the event to December 8 through 10. The conference will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues centered on key water and sanitation issues. In its preparation, governments, international organizations, and other accredited stakeholders have been actively involved. The main sessions will be hosted in Abu Dhabi.
Water conference shapes bilateral priorities
Earlier engagements between the UAE and Senegal have covered trade, investment, and development, with the September meeting continuing this focus. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to discuss economic relations and opportunities in key sectors. They also explored ways to deepen economic collaboration between the two nations. These discussions build on a series of official contacts throughout 2026, emphasizing commercial and development partnerships.
During his recent visit, President Faye also held talks with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour holds roles as UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their conversation covered collaboration in investment and development, along with ways to expand bilateral relations. They also shared views on issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s meetings with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on economic partnership continues to grow
Relations between the UAE and Senegal increasingly prioritize investment, trade, and development initiatives in high-level discussions this year. Officials from both countries have convened in Abu Dhabi and Dakar to advance these areas. They have also collaborated on preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a key preparatory meeting in Dakar earlier in 2026. This gathering united governments and stakeholders to set priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
The conference aims to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on water and sanitation. United Nations data reveal that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. Key themes of the event include funding, international cooperation, environmental challenges, and water access. For both the UAE and Senegal, this conference signifies a significant joint international effort within a broader relationship encompassing economic, investment, and development cooperation.
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