ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Their discussions centered on the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with a focus on cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. The leaders explored ways to strengthen partnerships in various sectors and promote development. Attending the meeting was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani also examined regional issues and other shared interests. Both emphasized the importance of security, stability, and enduring peace in the Middle East. They agreed that these priorities should benefit the region’s populations. The Kurdistan Regional Government stated that the discussions also included condemning recent attacks on the UAE and endorsing efforts to maintain regional peace and security.
The gathering included senior members of the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was part of the talks. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also participated. The meeting demonstrated ongoing high-level engagement between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region, as they discussed bilateral cooperation and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region review partnership progress
The discussions on Tuesday 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. The two leaders reviewed relations between the UAE and Iraq, along with cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
The February meeting focused on supporting development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and Kurdistan. Both sessions prioritized bilateral ties and regional stability. The latest meeting continued that direct dialogue. According to official reports, no new agreements or initiatives were announced during the September talks.
Security concerns remain part of ongoing talks
The UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government regularly hold senior-level discussions on economic, political, and regional issues. In this most recent meeting, both sides looked at expanding cooperation across various sectors. They also addressed regional security, without announcing specific policy changes. Official statements highlighted strengthening relations, ongoing cooperation, and support for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The September meeting involved senior representatives from both sides. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani mainly focused on UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their public statements emphasized established areas of collaboration and mutual regional concerns. This meeting added to a year already marked by high-level talks, including a meeting between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.