ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on strengthening the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with a particular focus on cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. Leaders explored ways to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors and promote development initiatives. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was present for the meeting.
The two leaders also deliberated on regional developments and other mutual interests. Both emphasized the significance of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, asserting that these priorities should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government expressed that the discussions also included condemning recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirming support for regional peace and security.
The gathering assembled senior officials from the UAE government and leadership. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the dialogue. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also present. This meeting highlighted ongoing high-level interactions between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region as both parties evaluated bilateral cooperation and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region assess partnership efforts
Tuesday’s discussions followed an earlier encounter between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. During that visit, Barzani attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The leaders reviewed the state of relations between the UAE and Iraq, along with cooperation involving the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of shared concern.
The February meeting also covered initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Both sessions prioritized bilateral relations and regional stability as central topics. The latest meeting in Abu Dhabi built upon this direct dialogue. According to official reports, no new agreements or formal programs were announced during the September discussions.
Security concerns in the region remain on the agenda
Regular senior-level engagement continues between the UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government on economic, political, and regional issues. In the recent meeting, the focus was on broadening cooperation across various sectors. While security concerns in the Middle East were addressed, no specific policy changes were disclosed. Both sides’ official statements highlighted the strengthening of relations, ongoing collaboration, and the shared goal of regional peace and stability.
The September discussions concluded with senior representatives from both entities, emphasizing UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their public remarks reaffirmed commitments to existing partnership areas and shared regional challenges. This meeting added another high-level exchange to a year that has already included direct talks between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.