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 meeting primarily centered on the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with a special focus on the Kurdistan Region. The officials explored avenues to enhance collaboration and promote development and prosperity for their populations. Also present at the discussions was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
During the encounter, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani revisited the enduring ties connecting the UAE to Iraq and its Kurdistan Region. According to official reports, their dialogue aimed at identifying opportunities for broader cooperation across multiple sectors. The two leaders also deliberated on issues of common interest and regional dynamics. This diplomatic engagement takes place amid ongoing efforts by Middle Eastern nations to bolster security and stability amid rising regional tensions.
Both sides underscored the significance of fostering security, stability, and enduring peace across the Middle East, emphasizing that these initiatives should benefit the entire region. The Kurdistan Regional Government highlighted that both parties condemned recent assaults on the UAE. Its account of the meeting noted that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and security while addressing regional developments impacting the broader area.
UAE and Kurdistan Region explore avenues for enhanced cooperation
Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level gathering involving several senior UAE officials alongside Sheikh Mohamed, Barzani, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Among the attendees was Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also part of the delegation. Other senior figures from the UAE government and leadership attended, reflecting the importance of the meeting’s agenda.
This session represented another phase of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026. The UAE president previously hosted Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3 during an earlier official visit. At that time, Barzani was in the UAE to participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The discussions then, as now, included topics related to UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Officials reaffirm commitment to regional stability and development
In the February talks, the leaders focused on cooperation strategies that could foster growth and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also examined issues scheduled for the upcoming World Governments Summit and exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. The September engagement furthered the official dialogue between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, with an emphasis on bilateral partnership and regional peacekeeping efforts.
The most recent meeting underscored the established diplomatic relations between the UAE and Iraq, including direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. Both parties concentrated on practical areas of cooperation and the broader regional security situation, without unveiling new agreements during the session. Their public statements highlighted a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and maintaining regional stability. The discussions concluded with senior representatives from both sides actively participating in the Abu Dhabi talks.