Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consul in Erbil has welcomed a new technology agreement signed between Erbil and Abu Dhabi, expressing hope that it will lead to broader cooperation across multiple sectors.

Kurdistan Region’s active participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai was solidified with the signing of a five-year technology deal, UAE Consul Ahmed al-Dhaheri stated on Thursday. He expressed optimism that the agreement will pave the way for “many more economic and investment agreements in the near future,” particularly in the electricity sector and the use of solar energy.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani attended the summit this week and, on Wednesday, signed the deal with Emirati Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad bin Abdullah al-Gergawi. The agreement aims to enhance administrative, human, and governmental capabilities in the Kurdistan Region.

According to Dhaheri, the technology deal builds on a previous agreement signed three years ago and focuses on government modernization and knowledge exchange, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasized that the UAE is committed to helping the Kurdistan Region establish an AI hub to attract talent and enhance opportunities in the field.

The agreement includes multiple sub-agreements designed to improve performance and facilitate knowledge-sharing. This aligns with the Kurdistan Region’s broader ambitions to strengthen cooperation with Abu Dhabi across various sectors, including development, economy, and investment.

On the economic front, Dhaheri revealed that investment between Erbil and Abu Dhabi has surpassed $2 billion, with Emirati businessmen eager to establish new companies in the Kurdistan Region. He also noted that travel facilitations, including visa availability for Iraqi and Kurdish citizens, have been implemented to further enhance bilateral relations.

Barzani led a high-profile delegation to the UAE on Monday to participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The event brought together 30 heads of state, 140 delegations, over 400 ministers, and hundreds of experts. During his visit, Barzani met with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, and Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Abdullah al-Sabah, among others.

His office stated that these meetings are part of Barzani’s “continued commitment” to positioning the Kurdistan Region as a “key and reliable partner on the global stage.”