Relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan continue to expand across political, economic, and cultural spheres, reflecting what both governments describe as a long-standing friendship built on mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
Speaking at a National Day reception in Baku, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohammed Al Bloushi said the bilateral partnership has strengthened steadily since diplomatic relations were established in 1992. He highlighted extensive high-level exchanges, including the official visit of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Azerbaijan on September 16 – a trip that produced 14 agreements and a memorandum of understanding across a broad range of fields.
Al Bloushi noted that the most consequential document is the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, describing it as a milestone that aligns the long-term economic and technological ambitions of both countries. The framework held its first meeting in Abu Dhabi on November 27.
The envoy also pointed to the UAE’s rapid transformation over recent decades — from clean energy and sustainable development to artificial intelligence and space exploration — positioning the country among global leaders shaping the future.
Expanding Trade, Investment, and Energy Cooperation
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, also speaking at the reception, underscored the deepening economic relationship. Trade turnover between the UAE and Azerbaijan reached approximately $2.2 billion in 2024, with Emirati companies playing a significant role as strategic partners in Azerbaijan’s renewable-energy projects.
Jabbarov called the UAE “one of the fastest-developing and most successful states,” noting that strong political ties between the two leaderships continue to drive cooperation.
He highlighted the historic visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to Karabakh earlier this year – a symbolic moment that both sides view as further evidence of solidarity and long-term strategic alignment. During that visit, Baku and Abu Dhabi signed several key documents, including a Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The minister said economic cooperation is broadening rapidly. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi in July 2025, is expected to boost trade, investment flows, and competitiveness on both sides. To support this effort, the two countries have agreed to launch a Joint Business Council.
A joint investment fund with a capital capacity of $1 billion is already active, with discussions underway on new projects. Jabbarov pointed to a $5-billion urban-development initiative signed with Modon Holding during the first Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku this September.
He also emphasized growing cooperation in the oil and gas sector through SOCAR and ADNOC, alongside rising interest in new joint ventures.
Green-Energy Partnership Accelerates
Jabbarov stressed the UAE’s key role in Azerbaijan’s renewable-energy transition. The first solar power plant launched in the country was built with Emirati support, and cooperation with Masdar continues on major solar and wind projects in Neftchala, Bilasuvar, and Garadagh.
“These projects make a significant contribution to Azerbaijan’s green-energy goals,” he said.
Tourism and Air Connectivity on the Rise
Ambassador Al Bloushi also highlighted the growing flow of visitors and flights between the two countries. UAE national carriers now operate around 28 weekly direct flights to Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani airlines run 14 weekly flights to the Emirates.
Tourism figures continue to climb. In 2024, the UAE welcomed 115,189 Azerbaijani visitors, while 48,888 Emirati tourists traveled to Azerbaijan – numbers the ambassador described as a strong indicator of deepening economic and social ties.
