ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, where their dialogue centered on the evolving relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular focus on the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored avenues to enhance collaboration and promote development and prosperity for their populations, with UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also participating in the discussions.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani revisited the longstanding connections between the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, discussing potential opportunities to broaden cooperation across various sectors, as reported by official sources. They also addressed issues of mutual interest and regional developments, especially amid ongoing efforts across the Middle East to prioritize security and stability in the face of escalating regional tensions.
The two leaders emphasized the necessity of supporting security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, asserting that such initiatives should aim to benefit the entire region’s population. The Kurdistan Regional Government highlighted that both parties condemned recent attacks on the UAE, with the meeting’s account noting that the leaders underlined the importance of maintaining peace and security while discussing regional issues impacting the broader area.
UAE and Kurdistan Region pursue enhanced collaboration
The Abu Dhabi gathering brought together several senior officials from the UAE alongside Sheikh Mohamed, Barzani, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, with attendees including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other high-ranking government representatives, reflecting the significance of this high-level meeting.
This session represented another instance of direct dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister in 2026, following an earlier visit by Barzani to Abu Dhabi on February 3, during which he participated in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. That earlier meeting also addressed issues related to UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international concerns of mutual interest.
Regional stability remains a key focus for leadership
In discussions held during February, the two leaders examined potential cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, while also exchanging perspectives on the agenda of the World Governments Summit and regional and global developments. The September meeting built upon this ongoing official dialogue, once again prioritizing bilateral cooperation and regional stability, highlighting their continuous commitment to these goals.
While the latest talks reinforced the established official ties between the UAE and Iraq, including engagement specifically with the Kurdistan Region, both parties concentrated on practical cooperation and regional security concerns without announcing new agreements. Public statements from both sides underscored a desire to strengthen relations, promote cross-sector collaboration, and sustain support for regional peace. The discussions concluded with senior representatives from each side actively participating in the Abu Dhabi sessions.