President Barzani to arrive in Dubai Wednesday

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is set to visit the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations with the country's top officials.

"During his visit, discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, will focus on relations and cooperation between the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the latest regional developments," said the Kurdistan Region Presidency in a statement.

President Barzani and Al Nahyan spoke on the phone last month to discuss escalating regional tensions.

Both leaders expressed "deep concern over the escalation and stressed the importance of exhausting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and safeguard the region’s security and stability," said the Kurdistan Region Presidency in a statement at the time.

The six-week war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, hugely impacted regional countries like Iraq - including the Kurdistan Region - and Gulf states, especially the UAE, as they were under Iranian drone and missile attacks. Tehran said its assaults were in response to US-Israel attacks on its soil, accusing Gulf states of collaborating with its enemies.

The Kurdistan Region and the UAE maintain strong economic relations, with Kurdish officials frequently visiting the country, particularly during special events.

The UAE is among the top three economic partners of the Kurdistan Region, behind Turkey and Iran. Emirati investors are also increasingly making their mark on the Kurdistan Region’s economy.