The UAE, together with Senegal, will co-host the third UN Water Conference, set to take place from December 8 to 10, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It is only the third conference of its kind in 50 years and the first to focus specifically on accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to safe water and sanitation.

At a recent preparatory briefing, representatives from 180 countries attended, up sharply from 150 at a similar session in May. The formal three-day program will be built around six interactive dialogues covering the conference's core themes. Alongside the official sessions, organisers have set up an "Oasis" venue where government officials, business leaders, investors, innovators and young people can connect, with country pavilions showcasing water-related solutions and partnership opportunities.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, told the briefing: "We cannot afford to approach this challenge with business as usual. The 2026 UN Water Conference must be a turning point." Hosting the summit in Abu Dhabi is seen as part of the UAE's broader push to play a more active role in international environmental and water-resource diplomacy.