The next working visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the United Arab Emirates once again demonstrated to the international community how dynamic and stable the relations between our countries are. The UAE's role as an island of stability and a global economic hub in the modern world, and Azerbaijan's position as the leading state of the South Caucasus, make this partnership vital for both sides.
Humanitarian Diplomacy: Zayed Award for Human Fraternity
One of the most significant events of the visit was the solemn ceremony held in Abu Dhabi on February 4. President Ilham Aliyev was awarded the prestigious "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity" (Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026) for his exceptional services in promoting peace, tolerance, and multiculturalism worldwide. This award is another international recognition of Azerbaijan's role as a bridge between different cultures and the head of state's contribution to the global peace agenda.
Peace Agenda: Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting in Abu Dhabi
The visit also became an important diplomatic platform. A broad-format meeting was held between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with the mediation and hosting of the UAE. The fact that the meeting took place in Abu Dhabi demonstrates the UAE's support for the peace process in the South Caucasus and its international credibility. The parties continued discussions on the text of the peace agreement, border delimitation, and the opening of regional communications, taking the next step towards lasting stability in the region.
Military Brotherhood: "Peace Shield – 2026"
One of the most important symbols of the strategic proximity between Azerbaijan and the UAE is military cooperation. Within the framework of the visit, the heads of state of both countries observed the “Peace Shield – 2026” joint operational-tactical exercise.
The importance of this exercise should be particularly emphasized:
Exceptional partnership: Azerbaijan had previously conducted military exercises of this scale and depth only with Turkey. The establishment of such a format with the UAE indicates that the country has been included in the list of its closest allies.
Operational compatibility: The exercises aim at combating terrorism and coordinating special operations in residential areas, mountainous, and maritime conditions.
Strengthened Armed Forces: This cooperation enhances the modern combat capabilities of the armies of both countries and remains a model of brotherhood.
Economic Development and Trade Turnover
Cooperation in the economic sphere is more clearly manifested in figures. According to the results of 2024, the total trade volume between Azerbaijan and the UAE reached a record level — approximately 2 billion 200 million US dollars. Statistical data for the first quarter of 2025 indicate that this growth continues, with turnover increasing by more than 45% compared to the same period last year.
The investment of billions of dollars by the UAE's "Masdar" company in renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan indicates that these figures will further increase in the future.
The President's visit to the UAE is of historical importance from military-strategic, diplomatic, and economic perspectives. Following the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Baku and Shusha, the Azerbaijani leader's visit to Abu Dhabi, the high award received, and the military exercises conducted are proof of the unbreakable bond between the two countries. The friendship between Azerbaijan and the UAE serves as one of the main pillars of stability and development in the region.
Elnur Amirov
