ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The meeting focused on relations between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular attention to the Kurdistan Region. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and support development and prosperity for their peoples. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also attended the talks.
UAE and Kurdistan Region leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss cooperation and stability. (Credit – WAM)
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reviewed the longstanding relationship linking the UAE with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Their discussions covered opportunities to expand cooperation across different sectors, according to official accounts of the meeting. Both sides also addressed matters of mutual interest and regional developments. The talks came as governments across the Middle East continue to emphasize security and stability amid heightened regional tensions.
The two sides stressed the importance of supporting security, stability and lasting peace across the Middle East. They said those efforts should serve the interests of people throughout the region. The Kurdistan Regional Government said both sides also condemned recent attacks on the UAE. Its account of the meeting said the leaders affirmed the need to preserve peace and security while discussing developments affecting the wider region.
UAE and Kurdistan Region discuss stronger cooperation
The Abu Dhabi meeting brought together several senior UAE officials alongside Sheikh Mohamed, Barzani and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Attendees included Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also attended. Other senior officials from the UAE leadership and government joined the discussions, reflecting the high-level nature of the meeting.
The meeting marked another round of direct talks between Sheikh Mohamed and the Kurdistan Region prime minister in 2026. The UAE president received Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3 during an earlier working visit. Barzani was in the UAE at the time to participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. That meeting also addressed UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional and international issues of shared interest.
Leaders renew focus on regional stability
During the February talks, the two leaders examined cooperation that could support development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They also discussed subjects on the World Governments Summit agenda and exchanged views on regional and international developments. The September meeting continued the official dialogue between the UAE leadership and the Kurdistan Regional Government, while again placing bilateral cooperation and regional stability at the center of discussions.
The latest meeting underscored established official ties between the UAE and Iraq, including direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region. Both sides focused on practical cooperation and the broader security environment without announcing new agreements during the meeting. Their public statements emphasized stronger relations, cooperation across sectors and continued support for regional peace. The talks concluded with senior representatives from both sides participating in the Abu Dhabi discussions.