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 enhancing ties between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular focus on collaboration with the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across various sectors and promote regional development. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was also present for the meeting.
In addition to bilateral relations, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani addressed regional developments and other shared concerns. Both parties underlined the significance of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, emphasizing that these priorities should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government stated that discussions also involved condemning recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed support for regional peace and security.
The gathering included senior officials from the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the talks, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting exemplifies ongoing high-level engagement between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region as both sides reviewed their bilateral cooperation and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region evaluate collaborative efforts
These discussions follow a previous meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. At that time, Barzani was visiting the UAE for the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The leaders revisited the relationship between the UAE and Iraq, as well as cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The February engagement addressed initiatives aimed at fostering development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Both meetings prioritized bilateral relations and regional stability. The recent meeting extended this direct dialogue in Abu Dhabi. According to official statements released afterward, no new agreements or formal initiatives were announced during the September session.
Discussion on regional security remains prominent
Regular high-level communication between the UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government continues on economic, political, and regional topics. The latest talks again concentrated on broadening cooperation across multiple areas, while also addressing the security landscape of the region without unveiling specific policy adjustments. Both sides’ official remarks emphasized strengthened ties, ongoing collaboration, and support for peace and stability throughout the Middle East.
The September meeting concluded with senior representatives from both sides engaging in discussions in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani once more centered their dialogue on the relationship between the UAE and Iraq, collaboration with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their public statements maintained focus on previously established areas of cooperation and shared regional concerns. This gathering added another high-level exchange to a year that has already seen direct talks between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.