ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The gathering centered on the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with a special focus on the Kurdistan Region. Leaders explored avenues to bolster cooperation 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.
The conversations covered the longstanding ties connecting the UAE with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Official sources indicated that expanding collaboration across multiple sectors was a key topic. Both parties also addressed issues of mutual importance and regional developments, especially as Middle Eastern governments prioritize security and stability amid rising regional tensions.
Highlighting regional peace, the leaders emphasized the necessity of supporting security, stability, and enduring peace in the Middle East. They agreed that these efforts should benefit the entire region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government stated that both sides also condemned recent attacks on the UAE. The official account noted that leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and security while discussing broader regional issues.
UAE and Kurdistan Region explore enhanced cooperation
Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level meeting with 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. The presence of other top UAE officials highlighted the significance of the discussions.
This gathering represented another instance of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region prime minister in 2026. Earlier, on February 3, the UAE president welcomed Barzani to Abu Dhabi during his working visit, which coincided with Barzani’s participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. That meeting also addressed UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international shared interests.
Regional stability remains a shared priority for leaders
In the February discussions, the two leaders explored ways to enhance cooperation to support growth and prosperity across the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They examined topics on the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. The September meeting extended the ongoing official dialogue, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional security as central themes.
This most recent encounter reaffirmed the existing formal ties between the UAE and Iraq, specifically noting direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. While focusing on practical cooperation and regional security, the leaders did not announce any new agreements during the session. Their public statements underscored a commitment to strengthening relations, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and supporting regional peace efforts. Senior representatives from both sides participated in these discussions held in Abu Dhabi.