ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye convened in Abu Dhabi on September 17 for discussions. Faye was visiting the United Arab Emirates on a working trip. The two leaders assessed their bilateral relationship and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation between the UAE and Senegal. The agenda included investment, economic ties, and development initiatives. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Faye and highlighted areas where the two nations are already engaged in active collaboration. The discussion of economic relations occupied a central role during their meeting. The presidents delved into potential opportunities linked to investment and development priorities in both countries. These conversations took place amid ongoing official exchanges between Abu Dhabi and Dakar. Throughout 2026, officials from the UAE and Senegal have held multiple meetings focused on trade, investment, governmental cooperation, and preparations for a significant global water summit.
The leaders also addressed the upcoming United Nations Water Conference scheduled for 2026, which both nations will co-host. The event will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, aiming to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6. This goal emphasizes universal access to water and sanitation and the sustainable management of water resources. The conference will assemble governments, international agencies, civil society, businesses, and other stakeholders involved in water governance.
Water summit plays a key role in discussions
The United Nations has organized six interactive dialogues for the December event. These sessions will focus on water for people, prosperity, the planet, cooperation, multilateral processes, and investment. The discussions will also address financing, technology, innovation, and capacity building. According to UN data, approximately 2.1 billion individuals still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while about 3.4 billion people are without safely managed sanitation services. These figures highlight the global challenge addressed through Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The recent presidential encounter follows other economic talks held this month between the two nations. President Faye met with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar on September 4. Their discussions focused on strengthening trade, boosting investment, and expanding cooperation in priority sectors. The meeting, attended by a UAE delegation, aimed to explore commercial opportunities and identify common economic interests during the visit to Dakar.
High-level officials sustain ongoing bilateral engagement
During his trip to the UAE, Faye also held talks 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 discussions centered on collaboration in investment and development, as well as ways to deepen the bilateral partnership. Both officials exchanged views on shared interests and explored avenues to broaden cooperation. This meeting added a high-ranking dialogue to Faye’s working visit.
The UAE and Senegal continue their joint efforts in preparation for the December water conference. Earlier in 2026, Senegal hosted a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar as part of the process. The Abu Dhabi conference will feature plenary sessions alongside its six interactive dialogues. The program is aligned with the core elements of Sustainable Development Goal 6. The presidential discussions on September 17 linked this international agenda with ongoing UAE-Senegal cooperation in investment, economic development, and bilateral relations.