Relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in strong political dialogue, expanding economic ties, energy cooperation, and growing defense collaboration. Frequent high-level engagement between H.H. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (May Allah protect him) and H.E. President Ilham Aliyev has accelerated bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
A major milestone was the signing of the UAE–Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi in July 2025. The agreement institutionalized long-term cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy, logistics, services, and supply-chain integration, while eliminating tariffs on the overwhelming majority of bilateral goods trade. The CEPA also established specialized committees and technical councils to oversee implementation and investment facilitation.
The bilateral relationship was further elevated through the announcement of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Cooperation Committee, which provides an institutional framework for coordination in economic, political, technological, and security matters. The inaugural meeting of the committee in Abu Dhabi highlighted the importance of reciprocal presidential visits and strategic coordination mechanisms.
Mutual presidential visits have become a defining feature of the partnership. His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has visited Abu Dhabi several times, while His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State (may Allah protect him), has made 3 official presidential visits to the Republic of Azerbaijan, as detailed below:
- January 8–9, 2024: This marks His Highness's first official presidential visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
- November 11–12, 2024: A working visit to Baku to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29).
- September 16, 2025: An official visit that included tours of Baku, Fuzuli, and Shusha.
As the latest visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (may Allah protect him) is considered a historic visit to Azerbaijan, including Shusha, where numerous bilateral agreements were signed. These visits have further strengthened cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure, transport corridors, and regional diplomacy.
Economic cooperation has expanded rapidly through investments by major Emirati companies in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy, logistics, construction, and infrastructure sectors, while Azerbaijani entities have increased engagement with UAE-based financial and trade hubs. Both sides are advancing a joint investment fund and a Joint Business Council aimed at deepening private-sector partnerships and facilitating cross-border capital flows.
The UAE has also emerged as an important diplomatic platform in the South Caucasus. Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, underscoring the UAE’s growing role as a neutral venue for regional dialogue and normalization efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Defense and security cooperation have likewise intensified. The two countries conducted the joint operational-tactical military exercise “Peace Shield – 2026” in Abu Dhabi, reflecting growing military interoperability and strategic coordination between their armed forces. Both leaderships emphasized the importance of continuing joint drills and expanding defense cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a new chapter in bilateral relations, aiming to boost economic growth, diversification, and investment in strategic sectors. The UAE is one of the leading investors in Azerbaijan, serving as a strategic partner, particularly in the renewable energy sector. A joint business council has been established to expand trade relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan and to increase trade and investment opportunities, which demonstrates the deepening of economic cooperation.
Here, it is important to emphasize the activity of Azerbaijan's trade representative in the UAE since 2017, which underscores the importance Azerbaijan attaches to the UAE's role in the region. The Azerbaijani Trade House in Dubai was inaugurated on January 15, 2019, and the activity of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry office in Baku is also notable in developing economic relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan.
Nine meetings of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation between the governments of the two countries have been held, with the most recent one taking place in Shusha (Azerbaijan) in 2024.
The official visit of Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, to the Republic of Azerbaijan took place on February 16–17, 2026. The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and livestock. During the visit, she held high-level meetings with a number of Azerbaijani officials.
On February 11, H.E. Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, along with his accompanying delegation and with the participation of H.E. Mohamed Murad Al Baloushi, the UAE Ambassador to Baku, met with H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy; H.E. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport; and Mr. Eldar Azizov, Head of the Executive Authority of Baku. This took place during the official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which a twin-city memorandum of understanding was signed between Abu Dhabi and Baku, and ways to enhance joint economic cooperation across all fields were discussed.
From April 28 to 29, 2026, His Excellency Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, paid a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The second meeting of the UAE-Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership Cooperation Committee was held in Baku, co-chaired by His Excellency Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and His Excellency Yalchin Refayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. The meeting reviewed the progress of cooperation between the two friendly countries and the achievements in various areas of joint work, which support the comprehensive strategic partnership. It also followed up on the implementation of the 2025-2029 Roadmap and priority projects. The UAE delegation, headed by His Excellency Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Azerbaijani side, enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries.
AZCON Holding and Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for strategic cooperation in the fields of ports, maritime shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan.
From June 1 to 3, the UAE delegation was led by H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and included high-level representatives from ADNOC, Masdar, and XRG. This participation was coordinated and facilitated by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Al Baloushi, who personally attended the event and supported the enhancement of high-level communication with partners and stakeholders throughout the activities. As part of this event, the delegation met with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships. The event also witnessed a major and pivotal achievement represented by the signing of a natural gas sale and purchase agreement from the "Absheron" field. This event is considered one of the most prominent energy sector events in the region, bringing together government representatives, international energy companies, investors, and industry leaders to discuss developments in the global energy market, energy security, and sustainability initiatives.
The UAE maintains a strong and diverse investment portfolio in Azerbaijan, encompassing the energy, infrastructure, logistics, and municipal cooperation sectors. In the traditional energy sector, ADNOC acquired a 30% stake in the Absheron gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea, while XRG invests in the Southern Gas Corridor, and Esyasoft Holding is working on implementing smart gas management solutions. In the renewable energy sector, Masdar is leading robust efforts with a broad portfolio that includes the 230 MW Garadagh solar photovoltaic project, the 30 MW waste-to-energy plant, the solar photovoltaic projects in the Banka settlement (Neftchala district) and the Bilasuvar region, in addition to the onshore wind power project in the Absheron-Garadagh area. Masdar is also leading massive joint development initiatives, including 2 GW offshore wind and hydrogen projects, 1 GW solar photovoltaic projects, and 1 GW onshore wind power projects.
Broader economic and infrastructure ties are further reinforced through a joint venture between the investment firm ADQ and the Azerbaijan Investment Holding to target priority sectors of mutual interest, alongside Modon Holding developing the "City Within a City" project. Furthermore, AD Ports Group has partnered with AZCON Holding to explore ways of strategic cooperation in the fields of ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions, while air connectivity is maintained through the flight and cargo services provided by flydubai and Air Arabia. This multifaceted relationship is complemented by bilateral cooperation, including the city twinning initiative between the municipalities of Abu Dhabi and Baku, and vital humanitarian support through demining efforts in the Karabakh region.
Cooperation in the cultural field between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan was signed on April 25, 2004.
Azerbaijani Cultural Days were held in the United Arab Emirates, and UAE Cultural Days were likewise held in Azerbaijan. In addition, a number of Azerbaijani artists and musicians have regularly participated in festivals held in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates is annually represented at the global Baku Process forum for intercultural dialogue, as well as at the international humanitarian forum hosted by Baku.
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, led the participating delegation at the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue held in Baku on May 1, 2024.
In the presence of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), cultural day activities were inaugurated in the city of Shusha with the participation of a number of artistic troupes from various countries, including the Emirati Al Mezyood band.
On December 4, 2025, the grand "Union March" was held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi on the occasion of the Independence Day of the United Arab Emirates. The event was witnessed by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside senior officials and representatives of Arab tribes.
The Azerbaijani delegation—which included a cavalry unit from the State Border Service riding the legendary "Karabakh" horses—presented a remarkable show titled "Azerbaijan - Land of Fire." Alongside the riders' exceptional skills, the performance integrated traditional Azerbaijani music and national dances, which won widespread admiration and enthusiastic applause from the attending audience.
On February 4 ,2026 H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was awarded the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in its seventh edition for 2026. UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated President Aliyev, and affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to continuously promoting human fraternity globally, noting that the "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity" celebrates pioneers of humanitarian work, peacemakers, and initiatives that foster coexistence and solidarity among peoples.
On March 13, 2026: As part of strengthening social ties and diplomatic communication with the Azerbaijani side, the Embassy organized a cultural Ramadan Iftar event under the slogan "An Atmosphere of Brotherhood in a Group Iftar." There were invited senior officials from both the government and private sectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside senior executives from UAE companies operating in Azerbaijan. This event contributed to cementing social relations with senior officials in Azerbaijan, opened avenues for dialogue regarding joint cooperation opportunities across various fields, and played a role in supporting the concept of "soft diplomacy" through direct social interaction with the attendees.
On June 16, 2026: The Embassy hosted a cultural event under the slogan "UAE Tolerance: A Firm Heritage and Sustainable Vision," in cooperation with the Azerbaijan University of Languages and the Sheikh Zayed Center for Arabic Language Learning in Baku, with active participation from the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. This event played an effective role in invigorating bilateral relations in the fields of cultural and academic cooperation between the two friendly countries and opened new horizons for joint cooperation between the two sides.
