UAE to co-host the 2026 U.N. Water Conference with Senegal at the end of 2026

The United States and the United Arab Emirates held their 11th Economic Policy Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2026, co-chaired by UAE Minister of State Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri and U.S. Under Secretary Jacob Helberg. The talks emphasized deepening bilateral trade and investment—highlighting the UAE’s pledge to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S.—and focused on economic security, resilient supply chains (including the UAE joining the Pax Silica), AI and advanced-technology cooperation, and financial coordination on illicit finance and investment screening. Officials also discussed connectivity projects such as IMEC, cooperation among I2U2 partners, and the UAE’s role in global water initiatives including co-hosting the 2026 UN Water Conference.