UAE Readies for UN Water Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Hayes

The United Arab Emirates is intensifying its efforts for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, which it will co-host with Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. The UAE’s active involvement in the 4th UN Water Conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from May 25 to 28 showcased its dedication to promoting a global water agenda and fostering international partnerships for water sustainability.

The Dushanbe conference convened over 2,000 participants from more than 110 nations and various international bodies to address significant water-related issues and propose solutions.

In addition, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference. This meeting, organized in collaboration with the Tajik government and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), drew over 100 delegates who coordinated efforts to enhance regional objectives and expedite progress on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes clean water and sanitation for everyone.

The UAE also engaged in the African High-Level Water Conference, focusing on Africa’s Water Vision 2063. This participation illustrates the UAE’s commitment to ensuring regional priorities and initiatives are effectively represented in global water discussions.

Throughout the Dushanbe conference, the UAE attended several thematic sessions connected to the six interactive dialogue themes of the forthcoming 2026 UN Water Conference. Collaborating closely with Senegal, the UAE interacted with heads of state, government officials, and stakeholders, encouraging practical and action-driven dialogues. These initiatives are anticipated to significantly influence future international events, like the High-Level Political Forum in July, where the progress of Sustainable Development Goal 6 will be assessed.

On the concluding day, the UAE participated in discussions about the 2028 UN Water Conference, which Tajikistan will host. The talks underscored the necessity of maintaining momentum in global water initiatives and building on the achievements from the 2026 conference preparations.

The UAE underlined the significance of the interactive dialogue themes established by the UN General Assembly, describing them as vital for enhancing cooperation, coordination, and sustainable practices within the water sector.

Moreover, the UAE conducted bilateral meetings with key partners, including the Tajik government, to reinforce collaboration across global water initiatives, ensuring the 2026 UN Water Conference becomes a pivotal milestone for future international water efforts.

Additionally, the UAE was actively involved in the International Advisory Committee for the Dushanbe Water Process, aligning the conference’s final declaration with the goals and aspirations for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

This participation reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to fostering continuity and consistency in global water dialogues while endorsing effective actions before and after the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.

June 5, 2026 4:50 p.m. 111

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