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 two heads of state examined the state of bilateral relations and explored avenues for further cooperation. Discussions centered on investment opportunities, economic development, and mutual progress. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of common concern. The meeting was held in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
During their talks, Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also addressed preparations for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The event, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, aims to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6—universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders highlighted water priorities and emphasized their significance for economic and social advancement both domestically and internationally.
The conference plays a vital role in the ongoing partnership between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly approved new dates for the conference in May, shifting it to December 8 through 10. The program will feature plenary sessions along with six interactive dialogues focused on key water and sanitation issues. Governments, global organizations, and stakeholders have been actively involved in the preparations, with Abu Dhabi set to host the main sessions.
Water-focused negotiations shape bilateral agenda
Earlier this month, the UAE and Senegal strengthened their engagement on trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar. Their discussions covered trade relations, investment prospects, and strategies to bolster economic collaboration. These talks complemented a series of official exchanges throughout 2026, all aimed at expanding commercial ties and development initiatives.
During his recent visit to the UAE, President Faye also held a meeting with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour is the UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The discussions focused on investment, development cooperation, and ways to deepen the bilateral partnership. The leaders also shared insights on mutual interests, reinforcing the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s conversations with Sheikh Mohamed.
Investment and trade remain central to bilateral efforts
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly prioritized investment, trade, and development discussions at senior levels this year. Both countries’ officials have conducted meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dakar to foster cooperation. Furthermore, collaborative efforts have gone into preparing for the UN Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory session in Dakar earlier in 2026. This gathering brought together government representatives and stakeholders to identify key priorities ahead of the December event in the UAE.
Scheduled for December, the conference aims to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation. UN data reveal that billions of people still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The event will address themes such as financing, environmental challenges, cooperation, and water accessibility. For both the UAE and Senegal, this conference symbolizes a significant joint international effort within a broader framework of economic, investment, and development collaboration.