ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The two leaders examined the relationship between the UAE and Senegal and explored ways to deepen their bilateral partnership. Their discussions centered on investment opportunities, economic growth, and development initiatives. Additionally, they shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. This meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also addressed 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. The conference aims to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders deliberated on water-related priorities and their significance for economic and social advancement both domestically and internationally.
This conference plays a crucial role in the ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised dates for the conference in May, moving the event to December 8 through 10. It will feature plenary sessions along with six interactive dialogues focusing on key water and sanitation issues. The organizers have engaged governments, international organizations, and other authorized stakeholders in the preparatory phase. Abu Dhabi will host the main sessions of the conference.
Water conference to serve as a key element in bilateral relations
The September discussions followed prior engagement between the UAE and Senegal on trade, investment, and development. On September 4, President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar. They talked about trade relations, investment prospects, and opportunities in strategic sectors. They also discussed strategies to boost economic cooperation between the two nations. These conversations built on a series of official exchanges focused on commerce and development partnerships scheduled throughout 2026.
During his 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. Their talks covered collaboration in investment and development sectors and potential avenues to expand bilateral ties. The leaders also exchanged ideas on issues of shared interest. This meeting reinforced the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s conversations with Sheikh Mohamed.
Focus on economic partnerships remains prominent
This year, senior officials from the UAE and Senegal have increasingly prioritized investment, trade, and development in their high-level discussions. Both countries’ representatives have held meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. Additionally, they have collaborated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference. Earlier in 2026, Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar. That event brought together government representatives and stakeholders to discuss key priorities ahead of the December conference in the UAE.
The December gathering aims to speed up the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation. Current United Nations data indicate that billions of people still lack access to safely managed drinking water or sanitation services. The conference will focus on financing, international cooperation, environmental challenges, and water accessibility as core issues. For both the UAE and Senegal, this event signifies a major joint international effort, embedded within a broader relationship that encompasses economic, investment, and development cooperation.