EN|AR

The Republic of Senegal

SenegalWestern Africa
-4:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country

General Information

National Identity
Official Language(s)French
National CurrencyWest African CFA Franc (XOF)
National Day(s)4 April (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalDakar
Economic CapitalDakar
Cultural CapitalDakar
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 9 – 9.5 h Direct flights
Primary AirportBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Primary PortPort of Dakar
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline531 km
Highest PointNepen Diakha (648 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverSenegal River (the country’s longest river, a major source of irrigation and hydropower, and forming much of the border with Mauritania)
ClimateTropical

Border Countries

GambiaGuineaGuinea-BissauMaliMauritania
5

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Key Facts

Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent, with Dakar’s Pointe des Almadies marking the continent’s westernmost point.

The capital and largest city is Dakar, located on the Cape Verde Peninsula.

Lake Retba (Lac Rose) near Dakar is famous for water that can sometimes appear pink because of salt-loving microorganisms.

Goree Island, off the coast of Dakar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with the history of the Atlantic slave trade.

Senegal is famous for its music and dance, particularly the energetic music style known as mbalax.

The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar is one of the tallest monuments in Africa.

Senegal’s national dish is thieboudienne (ceebu jen), traditionally made with fish, rice, vegetables, and seasonings.

Senegal is home to the baobab tree, an important cultural symbol known for its enormous trunk and long lifespan.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is an important wetland where huge numbers of migratory birds can be seen.

Senegal’s national football team is nicknamed the Lions of Teranga.

The Great Mosque of Touba is one of the largest and most important mosques in Senegal.

The Casamance region is known for its lush green landscapes, rice fields, palm trees, and beaches.

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Economic Overview

Macroeconomic Snapshot

GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-

Economic Comparison

IndicatorSenegalUAESenegalUAE
GDP, current pricesUSD Billions--
GDP, PPPCurrent int$--
Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%)--
GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita--
PopulationMillions of people--
Unemployment rate% of total labor force--
Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%)--
General government gross debt% of GDP--
Income levelWorld Bank classification--

Foreign Trade

No data available for this section yet.

Political Overview

Leadership

Head of State

H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Since April 2024

Head of Government

H.E. Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo

Since May 2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Cheikh Niang

Since September 2025

Minister of Finance

H.E. Cheikh Diba

Since April 2024

Minister of Trade

H.E. Dr. Serigne Gueye Diop

Since April 2024

Minister of Economy

H.E. Cheikh Diba

Since June 2026

Minister of Defense

H.E. Yankoba Dieme

Since June 2026

Political Summary

Political System

Semi-Presidential Republic

Executive power is shared between the President as Head of State and the Prime Minister as Head of Government, alongside a multi-party parliamentary system.

Ruling Party

African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF): Left-wing (since April 2024)

Main Opposition Force(s)

Alliance for the Republic (APR): Centre-rightSenegalese Democratic Party (PDS): Centre to centre-right

Next Presidential Election

Expected in March 2029

Next Legislative Election

November 2029

Last Updated: June 2026Source: Internal Research

Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs

47Organizations
25Member
8Founding Member
4Partner, Observer or Participant
10Not a Member

Last Updated: October 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations

Competitiveness Indexes

IndexYearRank Out ofSenegalUAE

No index matches.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic Relations and Representation

Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations23 Jul 197353 years of relations
H.E. Saeed Hamdan Alnaqbi
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Saeed Hamdan AlnaqbiUAE Ambassador to Senegal · Resident
H.E. Babacar Matar Ndiaye
Foreign Ambassador
H.E. Babacar Matar NdiayeAmbassador of Senegal to the UAE · Resident

Last Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research

Consular Information

Tourists
Residents
Students
Golden Visa Holders
Senegal Nationalsin the UAE
----
UAE Citizensin Senegal
----

Main Agreements and MoUs

Agreement / MOUStatusNotes
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
--
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement
Ratified
Signed on 22 Oct 2015.Entered into force on 19 Oct 2021.
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement
Ratified
Signed on 22 Oct 2015.Entered into force on 2 Jul 2017.
ASAAir Services Agreement
Signed
Signed on 18 Jan 2013.Ratified by the UAE only in 2013.
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists

Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research

UAE Foreign Assistance

UAE Aid to SenegalTotal Amount
Amount (USD Mn)-

Bilateral Visits

Official Visits from the UAE

  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Jul2026
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Apr2026
  • H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister of Foreign Trade
    Dec2025
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Nov2024
  • H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of State
    Feb2022

Official Visits to the UAE

  • H.E. Bassirou Diomaye FayePresident of the Republic of Senegal
    Sep2026
  • H.E. Dr. Cheikh Tidiane DieyeMinister of Hydraulics and Sanitation of Senegal
    Feb2026
  • H.E. Bassirou Diomaye FayePresident of the Republic of Senegal
    Jan2026
  • H.E. Mouhamadou Bamba CisseMinister of Interior and Public Security of Senegal
    Nov2025
  • H.E. Amadou BaMinister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism of Senegal
    Oct2025
  • H.E. Ousmane SonkoPrime Minister of Senegal
    Sep2025
  • H.E. Bassirou Diomaye FayePresident of the Republic of Senegal
    Dec2024
  • H.E. Macky SallPresident of the Republic of Senegal
    May2022

The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

Trade

Non-Oil Bilateral Trade

-

Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners

-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports

Key Trade Commodities

-

Foreign Direct Investment Flows

Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)1.3USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)1,217.4USD Millions

Capex and jobs data include estimated values.

Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets

Major Companies and Investments

Major Senegalese Companies in the UAE

  • -

Major UAE Companies in Senegal

  • DP WorldDP WorldPorts and logistics
  • MasdarMasdarRenewable energy

Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research

Business Support

UAE-Senegalese Joint Business Council

Joint Business Council(s)Established in 2021; no meetings have been held since.

Last Updated: September 2026Source: Various UAE Chambers

Cooperation Opportunities

Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.

Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research