Kurdistan PM and UAE Investment Minister Discuss Economic Partnerships

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met on Wednesday with Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, to explore opportunities for deepening economic ties and attracting investment to the Kurdistan Region.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the investment sector, with both sides emphasizing the importance of leveraging the UAE’s advanced expertise to support Kurdistan’s economic diversification and infrastructure development.

"I met with H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, at WGS25. The UAE has emerged as a global investment hub, one that Kurdistan can benefit from. We discussed ways to leverage this expertise and strengthen investment cooperation to drive meaningful growth," PM Barzani posted on his X personal account. 

I met with H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, at #WGS25.

The UAE has emerged as a global investment hub, one that Kurdistan can benefit from. We discussed ways to leverage this expertise and strengthen investment cooperation to drive meaningful growth. pic.twitter.com/k0V8kiY6NA

— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) February 12, 2025

Strengthening Economic Bridges

The UAE has emerged as one of the Middle East’s most influential financial hubs, with a robust investment climate that attracts global capital across multiple sectors, including real estate, energy, technology, and logistics. Prime Minister Barzani underscored the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, welcoming Emirati investment in key strategic sectors such as energy, tourism, finance, and industrial development.

For years, the Kurdistan Region has been actively working to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, positioning itself as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and ongoing infrastructure projects, the region presents significant opportunities for investors seeking access to the broader Iraqi and Middle Eastern markets.

A History of Economic Collaboration

The UAE has been a long-standing economic partner of the Kurdistan Region, with leading Emirati companies already engaged in major projects in energy, real estate, and retail. This latest engagement signals a renewed push to expand cooperation, particularly in technology-driven investment and sustainable development.

As Kurdistan continues to implement reforms aimed at modernizing its financial sector and facilitating international business operations, collaboration with global investment leaders such as the UAE is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic future.

Looking Ahead

With regional economies evolving and global markets becoming increasingly interconnected, the Kurdistan Region is keen to strengthen its position as a stable and attractive investment destination. Prime Minister Barzani’s meeting with Minister Alsuwaidi reflects a strategic move toward fostering long-term partnerships that can drive economic resilience and innovation.

As discussions progress, both sides are expected to explore specific investment frameworks, policy alignments, and joint ventures that will further solidify economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE.

Read More: Strengthening Ties: Kurdistan PM and UAE President Discuss Regional Cooperation at WGS2025