Emirati ties gained new momentum as President Nechirvan Barzani met the new UAE Consul General in Erbil. The meeting highlighted growing economic cooperation and underscored the strategic importance of the partnership.
President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Ahmed al-Shehhi during talks at the presidential office in Erbil. He expressed strong support for the consul’s mission and stressed the need to advance joint initiatives. Both sides reviewed shared priorities and pledged to drive new projects that support regional development.
The two officials explored ways to expand commercial activity across the Kurdistan Region. They focused on sectors that attract sustained Emirati interest, including energy, real estate, logistics, and agriculture. Emirati ties play a central role in attracting investment, and leaders called for further coordination to encourage additional ventures.
The discussion also covered the political dynamics following recent legislative elections in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. President Nechirvan Barzani and the consul examined the impact of the shifting political environment and highlighted the importance of stable partnerships during transitional periods. Their dialogue emphasized the need for predictable governance to support economic planning.
The UAE has maintained a strong presence in the Kurdistan Region since opening its consulate in Erbil in 2012. Emirati companies rank among the largest Gulf investors in the local economy. Current estimates place total UAE capital inflows at over $3.3 billion, and officials expect continued growth as new projects progress.
More than 200 UAE firms operate across the Region in construction, energy, manufacturing, and trade. Their presence boosts import activity, especially through UAE maritime gateways. Emirati ties also support the Region’s natural gas development through longstanding involvement from Dana Gas.
Emaar Properties continues to advance its multibillion-dollar urban development plan in Erbil. The initiative aims to expand commercial infrastructure and elevate long-term investment prospects. Regional authorities note that such large-scale commitments reflect confidence in the Region’s economic outlook.
Agriculture has emerged as another area of deepening cooperation. The Kurdistan Regional Government recently confirmed new exports of thousands of tons of locally grown potatoes to the UAE. Officials expect agricultural trade to become a stronger pillar of the economic relationship.
Both sides reaffirmed their intention to broaden cooperation across energy, infrastructure, logistics, and food security. They also agreed to sustain high-level coordination as new investment strategies take shape. Analysts expect further announcements in the coming months as additional joint initiatives move ahead.
Emirati ties remain a cornerstone of economic diversification in the Kurdistan Region. President Nechirvan Barzani views the relationship as vital to regional stability and a gateway to wider global engagement.
