UAE Steps Up Preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, set to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. Co-hosted with Senegal, the UAE's involvement in the 4th UN Water Conference held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from May 25 to 28, emphasized its dedication to promoting the global water agenda and enhancing international collaboration for sustainable water management.

Gathering over 2,000 participants from more than 110 countries, the Dushanbe conference focused on addressing critical water-related issues and potential solutions.

To further its engagement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference. This meeting, co-organized by the Tajik government and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), brought together over 100 representatives to align regional priorities and expedite efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets clean water and sanitation.

Additionally, the UAE attended the African High-Level Water Conference, where discussions revolved around Africa’s Water Vision 2063. This participation underscores the UAE's commitment to embedding regional considerations and initiatives into global water dialogues and strategies.

At the Dushanbe conference, the UAE participated in various thematic sessions tied to the six dialogue themes of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Collaborating closely with Senegal, the UAE engaged with leaders and stakeholders, fostering actionable discussions that will influence vital upcoming international gatherings, including the High-Level Political Forum in July, which will review progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6.

On the final day, the UAE contributed to discussions concerning the 2028 UN Water Conference, which will be hosted by Tajikistan. These dialogues reinforced the need to sustain progress in global water initiatives and build upon the preparatory outcomes for the 2026 conference.

Emphasizing the significance of the themes set forth by the UN General Assembly, the UAE indicated that these dialogues contribute to enhancing cooperation, coordination, and sustainable operations in the water sector.

Furthermore, the UAE engaged in bilateral meetings with essential partners, including the Tajik government, to strengthen alignment across international water initiatives, ensuring the 2026 UN Water Conference will mark a pivotal point for the future of global water efforts.

The UAE's involvement in the International Advisory Committee for the Dushanbe Water Process further illustrates its commitment to align the conference's outcomes with the ambitions of the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Through this engagement, the UAE continues to affirm its dedication to maintaining momentum in international water discussions and supporting meaningful global actions before and after the 2026 conference in Abu Dhabi.