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 discussions centered on the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with a specific focus on the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored avenues to enhance collaboration and foster development and prosperity for their populations. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also participated in the dialogue.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani revisited the long-standing ties connecting the UAE with Iraq and its Kurdistan Region. According to official reports of the meeting, they examined possibilities for broadening cooperation across various sectors. Both parties also addressed regional developments and issues of mutual interest. The discussion took place amid ongoing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to prioritize security and stability amidst rising regional tensions.
The leaders highlighted the necessity of backing security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East. They emphasized that such initiatives should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government stated that both sides condemned recent attacks on the UAE. The official account noted that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and security while considering the evolving regional landscape.
UAE and Kurdistan Region aim to deepen cooperation
The Abu Dhabi gathering saw high-ranking 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, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Senior officials from the UAE government and leadership also took part, underscoring the significance of the meeting.
This assembly represented another phase of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026. Previously, on February 3, Sheikh Mohamed hosted Barzani during an official visit to Abu Dhabi. Barzani was in the UAE to attend the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Their prior discussion also touched on UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and shared regional and international concerns.
Officials reaffirm regional stability priorities
During the February engagement, both leaders explored collaborative efforts that could bolster development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also examined topics on the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues. The September meeting continued the formal dialogue between the UAE authorities and the Kurdistan Regional Government, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional stability as key themes.
This recent gathering reinforced the well-established official relations between the UAE and Iraq, including direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. Both parties concentrated on pragmatic cooperation and the security environment, without declaring new accords during the event. Their public statements highlighted a commitment to stronger bilateral ties, cross-sector collaboration, and ongoing regional peace efforts. The dialogue concluded with senior representatives from both sides actively participating in the Abu Dhabi discussions.