ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani during a meeting held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions primarily focused on the evolving relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, especially emphasizing ties with the Kurdistan Region. Both leaders explored avenues to deepen cooperation and foster growth and stability for their populations. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was also present at the dialogue.
During the session, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reflected on the historical connection between the UAE and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. The meeting’s official reports highlighted discussions about expanding collaborative efforts across multiple sectors, aiming to enhance economic, security, and diplomatic ties. They also addressed issues of shared regional importance and regional geopolitical developments amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, emphasizing that these initiatives should benefit the entire region. The Kurdistan Regional Government conveyed that both sides condemned recent attacks on the UAE, and the leaders underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and stability amidst regional security challenges, as detailed in their official account of the meeting.
UAE and Kurdistan Region explore deeper collaborative efforts
Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level gathering that included numerous 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, with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also participating. Representatives from various levels of UAE leadership and government officials joined the conversations, underscoring the significance of this high-profile engagement.
This meeting marked another instance of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026. Earlier, on February 3, Sheikh Mohamed hosted Barzani in Abu Dhabi during an official visit, coinciding with Barzani’s participation in the World Governments Summit held in Dubai. The earlier discussions also touched on strengthening UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and addressing regional and international concerns of mutual interest.
Focus remains on regional peace and stability
The February discussions centered on potential collaborative efforts to boost development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also addressed topics from the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues. The September encounter represented continued official dialogue between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, with a clear emphasis on bilateral cooperation and regional stability as core themes.
The recent engagement underscored the established official ties between the UAE and Iraq, with special attention to relations involving the Kurdistan Region. Both parties concentrated on practical collaboration and security considerations but did not finalize new agreements during this meeting. Their public statements highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, fostering cross-sector cooperation, and supporting peace initiatives across the region. The discussions concluded with senior representatives from both sides participating actively in the Abu Dhabi talks.