ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The focus of the meeting centered on the diplomatic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular emphasis on the Kurdistan Region. The leaders deliberated on enhancing cooperation and fostering development and prosperity for their populations. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also took part in the discussions.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani examined the longstanding relationship linking the UAE with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Their conversation explored avenues for broadening collaboration across multiple sectors, according to official accounts. Both parties also addressed shared interests and regional developments. This dialogue coincided with ongoing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to prioritize security and stability amid increasing regional tensions.
The representatives emphasized the significance of supporting regional security, stability, and enduring peace, asserting that such initiatives should benefit the entire region’s population. The Kurdistan Regional Government noted that both sides condemned recent attacks targeting the UAE. The official account stated that the leaders affirmed the necessity of maintaining peace and security while discussing regional developments affecting the broader area.
UAE and Kurdistan Region explore avenues for enhanced collaboration
Abu Dhabi hosted a gathering of senior UAE officials alongside Sheikh Mohamed, Barzani, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The attendees included Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also participated. Other high-ranking officials from the UAE government and leadership took part, reflecting the significance of this high-level meeting.
This session represented another instance 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 working visit. Barzani’s trip to the UAE coincided with his participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The discussions at that time also covered UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Leadership renews commitment to regional stability and development
In the February discussions, the two leaders explored potential cooperation strategies aimed at fostering growth and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also reviewed topics on the agenda of the World Governments Summit and exchanged perspectives on regional and international affairs. The September engagement continued the official communication between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, again emphasizing bilateral cooperation and stability in the region.
The recent discussion reinforced the existing official ties between the UAE and Iraq, particularly through direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. While the focus remained on practical cooperation and security considerations, no new agreements were announced. Their public statements highlighted the desire to strengthen relations, promote sector collaboration, and support regional peace efforts. The meeting concluded with senior representatives from both sides actively participating in the Abu Dhabi talks.