ع
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during the latter’s working visit according to the Emirates News Agency. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and identified opportunities to expand cooperation in investment the economy and development projects that support long-term growth for both countries. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed hope that the visit would advance ties for the benefit of their peoples while underscoring the UAE’s commitment to partnerships across the African continent including with Senegal. The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of common interest the agency reported.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Senegal rose 24.5 percent to approximately 1.3 billion dollars in 2025 according to an analysis published by Economy Middle East. Trade volumes exceeded 751 million dollars in the first half of 2026 reflecting a further 31 percent increase from the same period a year earlier. These gains reflect accelerating economic links that have built on earlier ministerial engagements between the two sides. The figures come as both governments work to broaden commercial exchanges beyond traditional sectors.
The presidents advanced work on a comprehensive economic partnership framework covering six priority areas finance infrastructure energy agriculture logistics and digital technology the Senegalese Presidency stated. That effort follows the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding in Dakar in December 2025 during a visit led by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Those earlier pacts targeted energy logistics mining industrial development digital technologies construction and healthcare sectors. Officials from both countries have since maintained momentum toward finalising the wider agreement.
Discussions during the September meeting devoted attention to the 2026 UN Water Conference that the UAE and Senegal will co-host later this year according to the Gulf Today newspaper. The leaders exchanged views on water-related priorities and their importance for development both nationally and globally. The conference is positioned as a platform to raise awareness of sustainability challenges and promote collaborative solutions. UAE officials have repeatedly highlighted water security as a cornerstone of the country’s international partnerships.
President Faye thanked his UAE counterpart for sustained attention to Senegal and for guidance toward completion of the new economic framework the Senegalese state broadcaster reported. The talks built on a pattern of high-level visits that have steadily deepened diplomatic and commercial relations since President Faye took office. Both sides expressed a shared ambition to drive sustainable economic growth through targeted investments and private-sector collaboration. Additional meetings between ministers and business delegations have accompanied the presidential engagements.
The latest presidential meeting represents continued progress in a relationship that has expanded from development aid toward structured economic cooperation across multiple sectors. UAE delegations have previously identified mining renewable energy food security and infrastructure as particularly promising fields for joint projects. Senegalese officials have welcomed the interest as consistent with national plans for diversification and infrastructure modernisation. The two countries have indicated that further announcements on specific initiatives may follow in the coming months.
