ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on enhancing the partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular emphasis on cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored ways to deepen collaboration 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.
During the talks, Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani also addressed regional developments and other shared concerns. Both parties underscored the significance of security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, asserting that these priorities should benefit the populations of the region. The Kurdistan Regional Government further stated that the discussions included a condemnation of recent attacks on the UAE and a reaffirmation of support for regional peace and security.
This high-level meeting brought together key figures from the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was present for the discussions, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The gathering underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region, as both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region reaffirm commitment to cooperation
Tuesday’s dialogue followed an earlier meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. During that visit, Barzani attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, and the leaders discussed UAE-Iraq relations along with cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual importance.
The February discussions touched on joint efforts aimed at fostering development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Both meetings highlighted bilateral relations and regional stability as key topics. The most recent meeting in Abu Dhabi continued the direct dialogue, although no new agreements or formal initiatives were announced, as per official statements following the talks.
Security concerns remain integral to regional dialogue
Regular high-level exchanges between the UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government continue on political, economic, and regional issues. In this latest encounter, both sides focused on expanding cooperation across multiple domains, while also discussing the regional security environment without indicating specific policy shifts. Public remarks from officials emphasized enhanced relations, ongoing collaboration, and the pursuit of peace and stability in the Middle East.
The September meeting concluded with senior representatives from both parties participating in discussions in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reiterated their focus on UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their official statements maintained a focus on existing areas of partnership and shared regional concerns. This encounter marked another significant high-level exchange in a year already characterized by direct talks between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.