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 two heads of state explored the ties between their nations and explored potential avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation, focusing on investment, economic development, and growth initiatives. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual relevance. Their discussions occurred in Abu Dhabi on September 17.
Sheikh Mohamed and President Faye also deliberated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference scheduled for 2026. Co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, the event will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10 and aims to advance progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The leaders examined water-related priorities and their significance for economic and social progress both nationally and internationally.
This conference is a key element of the ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Senegal. The United Nations General Assembly approved the revised dates in May, moving the event to December 8 through 10. The gathering will feature plenary sessions and six interactive dialogues addressing critical water and sanitation issues, involving governments, global organizations, and other recognized stakeholders in the preparatory process. Abu Dhabi will host the main conference sessions.
Water Conference Sets Bilateral Priorities
The September meeting built upon previous high-level exchanges 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, where they discussed trade relations and investment opportunities in key sectors. Their talks also addressed ways to broaden economic cooperation, continuing a series of official engagements focused on commerce and development during 2026.
During his recent UAE visit, President Faye also held discussions with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour serves as UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their meeting covered cooperation in investment and development and potential strategies to expand bilateral ties, with both leaders exchanging views on issues of mutual interest. This encounter reinforced the broader agenda discussed during President Faye’s talks with Sheikh Mohamed.
Trade and Investment Drive Bilateral Focus
Relations between the UAE and Senegal have increasingly concentrated on investment, commerce, and development initiatives throughout this year, with senior officials engaging in discussions in Abu Dhabi and Dakar. The two nations have collaborated on preparations for the United Nations Water Conference, with Senegal hosting a high-level preparatory meeting earlier in 2026. This gathering brought together government representatives and stakeholders to identify priorities before the conference in December in the UAE.
Scheduled for December, the conference aims to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water and sanitation. United Nations data indicate that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The event will address themes such as financing, cooperation, environmental challenges, and water accessibility. For both the UAE and Senegal, it signifies a major joint international effort within their broader economic and developmental relationship.