Bilateral Relations
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.
15 October 2026 His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, participated in the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. H.E. Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan, also attended the event.
During his speech, H.E. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar emphasized that the United Arab Emirates attaches great importance to building relations between states and strengthening mutual trust.
He noted that addressing common challenges is a key prerequisite for ensuring peace and stability, reaffirming the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to dialogue, international cooperation, and the development of partnerships based on mutual trust.
Economic 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.
Cultural Cooperation
Cultural cooperation is an important pillar of relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Both countries seek to strengthen ties between their peoples through cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and initiatives that promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for cultural diversity.
The bilateral cultural cooperation agreement signed on April 25, 2004, provides a foundation for collaboration. Cultural Days held in both countries, alongside participation by artists and musicians in festivals and cultural events, have helped introduce audiences to their respective traditions and artistic heritage.
Intercultural dialogue is another area of cooperation. The UAE has participated in international forums hosted by Azerbaijan, including the sixth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku in May 2024, where the UAE delegation was led by H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture.
Cooperation also encompasses museums and cultural tourism, with a focus on exchanging expertise, preserving national heritage, and expanding engagement between cultural institutions. In September 2026, the UAE Embassy in Baku organized a cultural event in cooperation with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, with participation from the National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan. The event highlighted the role of museums in preserving heritage and national identity, promoting cultural tourism, and strengthening cultural exchange. Musical performances from both countries also showcased their artistic traditions.
These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to developing cultural partnerships and creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and closer connections between the peoples of the UAE and Azerbaijan.
Visit Country
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Baku
Tourist Guide for UAE Nationals in the Republic of Azerbaijan
2026
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Azerbaijan warmly welcomes its dear citizens and wishes you a pleasant stay in Azerbaijan. (We kindly request that you comply with Azerbaijani laws and maintain the bright, honorable image of UAE citizens abroad, who serve as ambassadors for our nation.) We are pleased to present the tourist guide for the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Official language:
The official language is Azerbaijani. Russian is also widely spoken, while English is used to a limited extent.
National currency:
The currency used in the Republic of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Exchange rates can be checked through the following website:
https://www.cbar.az/currency/rates?language=en
Local prayer times:
Prayer times in the Republic of Azerbaijan can be found through the following website:
https://www.qafqazislam.com/index.php?lang=en§ionid=123
Key laws in force in the Republic of Azerbaijan (Travel warnings and guidelines):
Dear citizen, please adhere to the following:
- Every foreign visitor to Azerbaijan is allowed to bring in one (1) unit of each type of electronics and mobile phones, provided that the total value of these devices does not exceed $800. In case of excess, 36% of the actual value of these devices must be paid.
- Those wishing to engage in hunting must obtain a hunting license prior to arriving in Azerbaijan from companies specializing in this field. Bringing in birds requires obtaining an entry permit from specialized companies prior to arriving in Azerbaijan. In the event of hunting without a hunting license or violating the terms of the license, the individual will be considered in violation of the law and must pay a fine, face deportation from the country for a period of up to 5 years, and pay a fine for each bird hunted. Exporting any type of bird—even if frozen—is strictly prohibited.
- If your stay in Azerbaijan exceeds 15 days, you must register yourselves with the migration authorities. Hotels usually handle the registration procedures, but you must ensure that the hotel has done so. In case of failure to register, a financial fine (ranging from 300 to 400 Manats) must be paid upon departure. The registration process can be carried out in: Baku, Guba, Gabala, and Lankaran and Ganja, Nakhchivan, and all major city centers. To register electronically, please visit the following website:
https://e-regv2.migration.gov.az/Security/SignIn?lang=2 - Crossing the street in areas not designated for pedestrians will subject you to legal accountability and a financial fine of up to 40 Manats.
- Smoking is designated to specific locations in most public places and facilities. Failure to comply will result in a financial fine, including in public transport vehicles and taxis, where the fine is 50 Manats. inside the aircraft during flights will subject you to a travel ban on these airlines and you will be handed over to airport security police upon landing to take the appropriate legal action against you.
- If a foreign visitor wishes to bring in an amount ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, they must declare it upon entry at Azerbaijani airports and obtain a receipt in order to take the amount out upon departure. If the amount exceeds $50,000, it cannot be taken out in cash—even if it was declared upon entry—and must instead be transferred out through a bank account.
- Anyone wishing to take out traditional purchased goods from Azerbaijan must obtain a purchase certificate from the seller to present it at the airport upon departure.
Hotels in the capital, Baku:
FAIRMONT HOTEL BAKU 5
It boasts a wonderful view of the Caspian Sea and is a 5-minute drive from the shopping center. Considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Azerbaijan, it is located next to the Azerbaijani Parliament, the Martyrs' Lane (Martyrs' Park), and the funicular railway that transports visitors between Martyrs' Lane and the Boulevard (Corniche).
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAKU 5
One of the most luxurious hotels in Azerbaijan, located near the Corniche and the Old City.
EXCELSIOR HOTEL & SPA BAKU 5
It is located near the Heydar Aliyev Center, at the beginning of Heydar Aliyev Avenue. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Boulevard.
JW MARRIOTT ABSHERON BAKU 5
It is located in Freedom Square next to Government House, close to the Corniche, the Port Baku Mall, and Park Bulvar.
HILTON HOTEL BAKU 5
It is located next to the Park Bulvar Mall on the Corniche.
HYATT REGENCY BAKU 5
The hotel is located near the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (3 minutes by drive) and the Heydar Aliyev Sports Complex.
BAKU MARRIOTT HOTEL BOULEVARD 4
It is located on the Corniche, 4 km away from the shopping center.
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL BAKU 4
It is located next to Port Baku and close to the Corniche.
SHERATON BAKU INTOURIST 4
It overlooks the Caspian Sea and is within walking distance of the Old City.
RAMADA HOTEL BAKU 4
The hotel is located on the beach (Shikhov Beach).
SHAH PALACE HOTEL 4
The hotel is located in the center of the Old City, a 5-minute walk from the Corniche and the Park Bulvar Mall.
Hotels in the city of Gabala
QAFQAZ RIVERSIDE HOTEL 5
It is located in a beautiful setting between mountains and green forests, and the hotel offers all types of rooms in addition to residential villas.
QAFQAZ TUFANDAG MOUNTAIN RESORT HOTEL 5
It is a mountain hotel and resort, located 20 km away from Gabala International Airport. The hotel offers all types of skiing activities, in addition to the funicular (cable car).
Hotels in the city of Quba
QUBA PALACE HOTEL 5
The hotel offers rooms and residential villas.
SHAHDAG MOUNTAIN RESORT
Shahdag Mountain Resort: A five-star resort featuring
- SHAHDAG HOTEL & SPA
- ZIRVE HOTEL
- GAYA RESIDENCES SHAHDAG
- PIK PALACE
- PARK CHALET
The resort features a cable car and offers all types of skiing and winter sports activities, along with winter gear (clothing) rentals. For more information, please visit the resort's website: www.shahdag.az
Hotels in the city of Shamakhi
SHAMAKHI PALACE SHARADIL 5
It is located 19 km from the city center and offers a magnificent view of the Caucasus Mountains. The hotel features rooms and residential villas.
Hotels in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
NAKHCHIVAN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC
You can travel to Nakhchivan via Azerbaijan Airlines.
TABRIZ HOTEL 5
It is located in the center of Nakhchivan city within the Heydar Aliyev district, close to all tourist and medical tourism destinations in the city.
DUZDAG HOTEL 5
The natural Duzdag Physical Therapy Sanatorium is located in Nakhchivan, where allergic diseases, especially bronchial asthma, are treated.
GRAND NAKHCHIVAN HOTEL 3
Located in the city center, the hotel features twin rooms and a family suite.
A hotel in the city of Ganja
RAMADA PLAZA BY WYNDHAM GENCE 5
The hotel is located in the city center, right in front of Heydar Aliyev Park.
Famous restaurants in Baku
CHINAR
The walking distance between the restaurant and the Four Seasons Hotel is 5 minutes. It serves Indian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Japanese meals.
GUNAYDIN
A Turkish restaurant serving all kinds of grilled dishes, as well as Azerbaijani and Turkish cuisine.
CHAYKI
Located on the Corniche, the restaurant serves distinctive Azerbaijani cuisine with its own unique touch.
HARBOUR
Located next to Port Baku Mall on the Corniche, the restaurant serves Indian and international cuisine.
MANGAL STEAK HOUSE
The restaurant serves a wide variety of grilled dishes and authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
MUGAM CLUB
Located in the Old City, the restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes.
NAKHCHIVAN
The restaurant is located on Parliament Avenue, just 1 km from the Fairmont Hotel, and serves a selection of Middle Eastern specialties.
SUMAKH
The restaurant serves a wide variety of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
Tourist Attractions in the Capital:
ATESHGAH (Fire Temple)
It is a historic Zoroastrian temple located on the Absheron Peninsula, where Zoroastrians once performed their religious rituals.
AZERBAIJAN CARPET MUSEUM
Located on the Corniche, the museum houses a wide variety of carpets, accompanied by detailed information about each piece translated into English. The museum’s architectural design is shaped like a giant rolled-up carpet. It also hosts public lectures on carpets and decorative arts.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The museum houses a collection of works by local artists, including sculptures and paintings, dating from the second half of the 20th century to the present day.
BOULEVARD
Baku Corniche – boasts a prime location next to the Old City and luxurious hotels. It features beautiful gardens overlooking the Caspian Sea, as well as restaurants, shopping centers, and cafés.
FUNICULAR
Baku Cable Car – It has two stations: the lower station is located in Martyrs’ Lane next to the Fairmont Hotel, while the upper station is located near Çinar Restaurant on the Corniche. The distance between the two stations is approximately 500 meters.
GOBUSTAN
A natural museum featuring rocks with carvings and drawings dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC.
HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER
The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is considered one of the city’s most remarkable architectural landmarks, designed by the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center is distinctive and unique.
It stands out completely from the other buildings surrounding it and those found throughout the city. It presents a modern and sophisticated image of the country, especially as it bears the name of Azerbaijan’s former president, Heydar Aliyev.
ICHERI SHEHER
The Old City is home to many historic structures dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. These include the Maiden Tower, which is considered a symbol of Baku; the Shirvanshah Palace Complex; the Museum of Miniature Books, which houses a large collection of books from around the world; as well as traditional markets and famous restaurants.
QALA
The Historical and Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is located 40 km from the capital, Baku. The museum specializes in the history of the Absheron Peninsula.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AZERBAIJAN LITERATURE
The Nizami Ganjavi National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature is considered one of the most beautiful museums in Azerbaijan. It is located on Targovi Street, near the entrance gates to the Old City. Sculptures of prominent figures from Azerbaijani literature are displayed on the museum’s exterior walls.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY OF AZERBAIJAN
The museum is named after Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, one of Azerbaijan’s greatest philanthropists. The Azerbaijani people referred to him as the “Father of the Nation” for his generous donations to the poor and those in need. The museum building itself is considered one of Baku’s most beautiful architectural landmarks. It houses a collection of artifacts that preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people.
NIZAMI (TORGOVAYA) STREET
Targovi Street is considered the commercial heart of Baku. It is home to stores featuring renowned international brands, as well as numerous restaurants and beautiful fountains.
YANAR DAG
The Fire Mountain is located in one of the villages on the Absheron Peninsula overlooking the Caspian Sea. The mountain’s natural flames have been burning continuously since ancient times and remain alight to this day.
GOYGOL
Lake Göygöl – Located in the Ganja region, among the Caucasus Mountains, approximately 400 km from the capital. Göygöl is a nature reserve situated 1,566 meters above sea level, with its deepest point reaching 100 meters.
Shopping Malls in Baku
- Port Baku Mall
- Crescent Mall
- PARK BULVAR
- Deniz Mall
- 28 MALL
- GANJLIK MALL
- PORT BAKU MALL
- METROPARK SHOPPING MALL
Natural Therapy and Wellness Centers
NAFTALAN
Medicinal oil is extracted from sources in Naftalan. It is a type of oil containing resin and sulfur, diluted and free of benzene. Naftalan oil is used to treat bone and muscle disorders, nervous system conditions, skin diseases, and gynecological conditions.
DUZDAG
The natural Duzdag Physiotherapy Sanatorium is located in Nakhchivan. It specializes in treating allergic conditions, particularly bronchial asthma.
CHENOT PALACE GABALA
Located in the city of Gabala, it offers natural, physiotherapy, and cosmetic treatments.
Hospitals
Liv Bona Dea Hospital
Address: 2 Mehdi Abbasov, Baku 1060, Azerbaijan
Telephone: +994 12 525 09 00
Mobile: +994 50 251 99 01, +994 50 563 82 56
Call Center: +994 41 290 00
MediClub Polyclinic
Address: 119 Uzeyir Hajibeyli St., Sabail District, Baku, AZ1010
Telephone: +994 12 497 09 11, +994 12 497 09 12, +994 12 497 09 13
Mobile: +994 50 225 59 11, +994 50 220 48 11
Emergency Service (24/7): +994 12 691 11
https://www.mediclub.az/en/clinics/mediclub-polyclinic
MediClub Hospital
Address: 33 Islam Safarli St., Yasamal District, Baku, AZ1009
Telephone: +994 12 596 82 11, +994 12 498 89 11, +994 12 310 09 11
Mobile: +994 50 250 49 11
Emergency Service (24/7): +994 12 691 11
https://www.mediclub.az/en/clinics/mediclub-hospital
MediClub KIDS
Address: 30A Izzet Nabiyev St., Baku, AZ1002
Telephone: +994 12 525 09 29, +994 12 252 09 19
Mobile: +994 50 200 06 40
Emergency Service (24/7): +994 12 691 11
https://www.mediclub.az/en/clinics/mediclub-kids
MediClub Dental
Address: 28A Izzet Nabiyev St., Sabail District, Baku, AZ1073
Telephone: +994 12 497 11 41, +994 12 525 17 56
Mobile: +994 50 200 06 70
Emergency Service (24/7): +994 12 691 11
https://www.mediclub.az/en/clinics/mediclub-dental
Central Clinic Hospital
Address: 76 Parliament Ave., Baku, AZ1006
Telephone: +994 12 492 10 92
Mobile: +994 24 667 13
Emergency Service (24/7): +994 41 210 05
Taxis in the Capital:
Bolt
Uber
Taxi 189
Emergency Numbers:
- Fire: 101
- Police: 102
- Ambulance: 103
UAE Tourism
