UAE Delegation Set to Arrive in Erbil for High-Level Talks
High-level Emirati delegation expected in Erbil to meet PM Barzani, inaugurate cultural projects, and reinforce political, economic, and social ties between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — A high-ranking United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation, headed by Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to arrive in Erbil on Monday morning, for an official visit to the Kurdistan Region.
The delegation includes Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, along with several other senior Emirati officials. They will be formally received at Erbil International Airport by Rebar Ahmed, the Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Interior.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Ahmad Abdulsamad reported from Erbil that preparations have been completed at the airport for the delegation’s arrival. During their stay, the Emirati officials are expected to meet Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, in addition to attending a series of events in Erbil. Their program includes inaugurating or inspecting key projects, notably the reopening of the Al-Nuri Mosque following restoration, which is part of UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.
Beyond Erbil, the delegation is also scheduled to visit Mosul as part of its itinerary. According to program details, they will spend several days in the Kurdistan Region to further strengthen ties in political, economic, and cultural fields.
UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative
UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, launched in 2018, is a flagship international effort aimed at restoring the cultural and historical identity of Mosul after the devastation caused by the ISIS conflict.
The project focuses on rebuilding iconic landmarks such as the Al-Nuri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, as well as churches, schools, and cultural institutions that once symbolized the city’s rich diversity.
Beyond physical reconstruction, the initiative seeks to revive Mosul’s cultural life, promote social cohesion, and create economic opportunities for local communities, positioning heritage restoration as a cornerstone for reconciliation and sustainable peace.
UAE–Kurdistan Region Relations
Relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kurdistan Region have steadily grown over the past two decades, with cooperation extending beyond politics into trade, investment, reconstruction, and cultural exchanges. The UAE was among the first Gulf states to establish a strong presence in the Kurdistan Region, opening a consulate in Erbil in 2012, which became a focal point for deepening bilateral ties.
Economically, the UAE has invested in infrastructure, energy, construction, and retail projects across the Kurdistan Region. Emirati companies played a role in the post-ISIS reconstruction of Mosul, particularly in restoring cultural heritage sites and religious landmarks, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultural diplomacy.
On the humanitarian front, the UAE has provided assistance to displaced people and vulnerable communities in Iraq, with the Kurdistan Region serving as a major hub for relief efforts during the peak of the ISIS crisis. The Emirates Red Crescent has been active in supporting healthcare, education, and refugee camps across the region.
Politically, the visits of high-ranking delegations, such as the one expected today, underscore Abu Dhabi’s strategic interest in strengthening relations with Erbil, not only as part of its Iraq policy but also as a broader element of the UAE’s outreach to regional partners.
The Kurdistan Region, with its relative stability and economic potential, has long been viewed by the UAE as a gateway to investment opportunities in northern Iraq.
The upcoming visit is therefore seen as a continuation of this trajectory, reaffirming the UAE’s role as a key regional partner for the Kurdistan Region and signaling a deepening of ties across multiple sectors.
From UNESCO to Mosul: Noura Al Kaabi’s Role in Advancing UAE’s Global Presence
Since February 2023, Al Kaabi has served as the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Beyond her governmental role, she chairs the UAE National Orchestra, serves as Commissioner of the UAE Expo Office, is Secretary-General of the Kalimat Foundation, and sits as a Non-Executive Director at Alef Education.
Through these positions, she has advanced cultural diplomacy and promoted mutual understanding by fostering initiatives that highlight shared humanity and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Al Kaabi has been instrumental in elevating the UAE’s global presence, spearheading dialogue and collaboration across international platforms. She represented the UAE on the UNESCO Executive Board and played a leading role in the country’s participation in UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, a landmark project dedicated to restoring cultural and heritage sites in Iraq.
