UAE prepares to co-host 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates is advancing preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10, 2026. Registration has officially opened for ‘The Oasis’, a non-accredited public zone designed to facilitate practical water action, innovation, and technology exchange alongside the official UN-accredited Blue Zone.

As part of the lead-up to the conference, a UAE delegation led by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, participated in the Africa Water & Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda. During the symposium, the UAE emphasized the need to transform political commitments into tangible investments and regulatory reforms to support Africa’s water vision and sustainable development.

The 2026 conference aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on the sustainable management of water and sanitation. The event is expected to convene governments, investors, and technical experts to address challenges in water, energy, agriculture, and industry.