ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Their talks focused on relations between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, especially cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. The leaders reviewed opportunities to deepen ties across several sectors and support development. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended the meeting.
Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani also discussed regional developments and other issues of shared interest. Both sides emphasized the importance of security, stability and lasting peace across the Middle East. They said those priorities should serve people throughout the region. The Kurdistan Regional Government said the discussions also included condemnation of recent attacks on the UAE and support for preserving regional peace and security.
The meeting brought together senior members of the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined the discussions. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also attended. The gathering reflected continued high-level contact between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region as both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and developments affecting the wider Middle East.
UAE, Kurdistan Region review bilateral cooperation
Tuesday’s talks followed an earlier meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. Barzani visited the UAE at the time while attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai. During that meeting, the two leaders reviewed UAE-Iraq relations and cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
The February talks also covered cooperation intended to support development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Both meetings placed bilateral relations and regional stability among the main subjects under discussion. The latest encounter continued that direct dialogue in Abu Dhabi. No new agreements or formal initiatives were announced during the September meeting, according to the official accounts released after the talks.
Regional security remains part of discussions
The UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government maintain regular senior-level engagement on economic, political and regional matters. In the latest meeting, the two sides again focused on expanding cooperation across different fields. They also addressed the regional security environment without announcing specific policy changes. Official statements from both sides highlighted stronger relations, continued cooperation and support for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The September meeting concluded with senior representatives from both sides taking part in the Abu Dhabi discussions. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani again centered their talks on UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region and regional stability. Their public statements remained focused on established areas of engagement and shared regional concerns. The meeting added another high-level exchange to a year that has already included direct talks between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.