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 concentrated on the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with special focus on the Kurdistan Region. Leaders explored ways to enhance collaboration and promote 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 discussions.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani discussed the long-standing ties connecting the UAE with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. According to official accounts, their talks included opportunities for expanding cooperation across various sectors. Both parties also addressed issues of mutual concern and regional developments. The discussions took place amid ongoing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to prioritize security and stability in the face of rising regional tensions.
The leaders emphasized the need to uphold security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East. They stated that such efforts should benefit the interests of the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government noted that both sides condemned recent attacks on the UAE. The official account of the meeting indicated that the leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security while reviewing regional developments.
UAE and Kurdistan Region Explore Opportunities for Closer Collaboration
Abu Dhabi hosted a gathering of 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 also took part. Additional top officials from the UAE government and leadership attended, highlighting the high-level character of the event.
This meeting marked another instance of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region prime minister in 2026. Sheikh Mohamed had previously hosted Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3 during an earlier official visit. Barzani’s trip coincided with the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where regional issues and bilateral ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were also discussed, along with broader regional and international topics of mutual interest.
Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Stability and Prosperity
During the February discussions, both leaders examined cooperation pathways that could bolster development and prosperity across the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also deliberated on topics included in the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged perspectives on current regional and international developments. The September meeting continued the official dialogue between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional stability once again.
The recent gathering highlighted the existing official ties between the UAE and Iraq, especially with the Kurdistan Region. Both sides concentrated on practical collaboration and the regional security environment, without announcing new agreements. Their public remarks stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, fostering cooperation across sectors, and supporting regional peace. The discussions concluded with senior representatives from both parties participating in the Abu Dhabi talks.