ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular emphasis on cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored ways to deepen collaboration across various sectors and bolster regional development efforts. Attending the meeting was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
In addition to economic and diplomatic topics, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani examined regional developments and shared concerns. Both emphasized the necessity of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, asserting that these priorities should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government noted that the talks also involved condemning recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirming support for regional peace and security.
The gathering included senior officials from the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the discussions, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting underscored ongoing high-level exchanges between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region as both sides assessed bilateral cooperation and regional issues impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region evaluate partnership and regional stability
Tuesday’s dialogue followed an earlier meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. At that time, Barzani visited the UAE while attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The discussion then reviewed UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and global developments of mutual interest.
The February meeting also included talks on fostering development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and Kurdistan. Both gatherings prioritized bilateral ties and regional stability as key themes. The recent meeting in Abu Dhabi continued these conversations, although no new formal agreements or initiatives were announced, according to official statements issued afterward.
Security issues remain on the agenda
Regular senior-level engagement persists between the UAE and Kurdistan Regional Government on economic, political, and regional issues. The recent discussions again concentrated on expanding cooperation in various domains and addressed regional security concerns without revealing specific policy shifts. Official comments from both parties reaffirmed their commitment to stronger relations, ongoing collaboration, and the pursuit of peace and stability across the Middle East.
The September meeting saw senior representatives from both sides converge in Abu Dhabi, focusing on UAE-Iraq relations, collaboration with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their public remarks maintained a focus on existing areas of cooperation and shared regional priorities. This high-level exchange added to a year marked by direct conversations between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister, highlighting sustained diplomatic engagement.