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 discussion centered on the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with an emphasis on the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored avenues to enhance collaboration and promote development and prosperity for their populations. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also participated in the meeting.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani examined the enduring bond linking the UAE with Iraq and its Kurdistan Region. According to official reports of the meeting, their talks included potential opportunities to broaden cooperation across various sectors. Both parties also discussed matters of mutual concern and regional trends. The discussions occurred as governments throughout the Middle East continue to prioritize security and stability amid rising regional tensions.
Both sides highlighted the critical importance of fostering security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East. They emphasized that such efforts should benefit the interests of people across the entire region. The Kurdistan Regional Government noted that both parties condemned recent attacks on the UAE. An account of the meeting indicated that the leaders reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining peace and security while addressing regional developments impacting the broader area.
UAE and Kurdistan Region explore enhanced cooperation
Abu Dhabi hosted a gathering that included several senior UAE officials along with 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 participated. Other senior officials from the UAE government and leadership joined the discussions, reflecting the high-level scope of the meeting.
This gathering marked another instance of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026. Earlier, the UAE president hosted Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3 during a working visit. Barzani’s visit coincided with his participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Their earlier meeting also tackled UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Officials reaffirm commitment to regional stability
In the February discussions, both leaders examined potential collaborations that could promote development and prosperity within the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also addressed topics on the agenda of the World Governments Summit and shared perspectives on regional and international affairs. The September meeting built upon the ongoing official exchanges between UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, again prioritizing bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
The latest talks reinforced the established official connections between the UAE and Iraq, including direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. Focus was placed on practical cooperation and the overall security environment, although no new agreements were announced at the time. Public statements from both sides underscored a desire for stronger relations, sectoral collaboration, and sustained support for regional peace. The meeting concluded with senior representatives from both parties participating in discussions held in Abu Dhabi.