ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Their discussion 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 cooperation and promote development and prosperity for their populations. The talks were also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reflected on the long-standing connection between the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. According to official accounts, their dialogue covered opportunities to broaden collaboration across various sectors. Additionally, they addressed matters of mutual interest and regional dynamics. The discussions took place amid ongoing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to prioritize security and stability amid rising regional tensions.
Both parties emphasized the necessity of supporting peace, stability, and enduring security throughout the Middle East, asserting that these efforts should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government highlighted that both sides condemned recent attacks on the UAE. The account of the meeting noted that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and security while discussing regional developments.
UAE and Kurdistan Seek Closer Collaboration
The Abu Dhabi gathering included several 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 present. The presence of other senior officials from the UAE government underscored the high-level significance of the discussions.
This meeting marked another instance of direct engagement between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026. Previously, on February 3, Sheikh Mohamed hosted Barzani in Abu Dhabi during an earlier working visit when Barzani was in the UAE to attend the World Governments Summit in Dubai. That encounter also focused on UAE-Iraq relations, collaboration with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Leaders Focus on Regional Stability
In the February discussions, the two leaders explored cooperation strategies to foster development and prosperity across the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. They also deliberated on topics on the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. The September meeting maintained the official dialogue between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, reaffirming bilateral cooperation and regional stability as core themes.
This latest encounter reinforced the existing formal ties between the UAE and Iraq, highlighting ongoing engagement with the Kurdistan Region. Both sides concentrated on practical cooperation and the regional security environment without announcing new agreements. Their public remarks stressed the importance of stronger relations, sectoral collaboration, and continued regional peace support. The discussions concluded with senior representatives from both sides taking part in the Abu Dhabi talks.