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 primarily centered on the partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular focus on collaboration with the Kurdistan Region. Leaders explored avenues to enhance cooperation across various sectors and promote development initiatives. Attending the meeting was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
In addition to their focus on bilateral ties, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani examined regional developments and other topics of mutual concern. Both leaders underlined the significance of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, emphasizing that these priorities should benefit the entire region. The Kurdistan Regional Government highlighted that their discussions also included condemning recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirming support for regional peace and security.
The gathering assembled key figures from the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the talks. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan was also present. The meeting exemplified ongoing high-level engagement between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region, as both parties reviewed their bilateral cooperation and broader regional issues affecting the Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region reaffirm collaborative efforts
The discussions on Tuesday 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 revisited the relationship between the UAE and Iraq, as well as cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, while exchanging perspectives on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
The February meeting also emphasized joint efforts to foster growth and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Both sessions concentrated on bilateral relations and regional stability as primary themes. The recent meeting continued this direct dialogue in Abu Dhabi. Official statements released afterward indicated that no new agreements or formal initiatives were announced during the September discussions.
Security issues in the region remain a key point of conversation
The UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government maintain consistent senior-level interactions on political, economic, and regional matters. During the latest engagement, the focus remained on expanding cooperation in multiple domains. Security concerns across the Middle East were also addressed, although no specific policy shifts were disclosed. Both sides’ official comments emphasized strengthening relations, ongoing collaboration, and backing regional peace and stability.
The September talks culminated with high-ranking representatives from both entities participating in the discussions. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reiterated their focus on UAE-Iraq relations, regional cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and broader stability issues. Their public comments remained aligned with established partnerships and shared regional concerns. This meeting marked another prominent high-level exchange in a year that already included direct conversations between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.