UAE President Sheikh Mohamed held talks with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev during an official visit on Tuesday, as the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at advancing ties.
The leaders were present as deals were struck to boost partnerships in key sectors such as transport, energy and tourism, workforce development and ship building, while the UAE-Azerbaijan Business Council was also established.
The two nations set out plans to work together on investment opportunities in renewable and clean energy. They will also co-operate to develop an artificial intelligence strategy for Azerbaijan, under which the technology will be integrated into education.
An agreement was also reached between Abu Dhabi Holding Company and Azerbaijan Investment Holding to strengthen collaboration. The two organisations launched a joint investment platform in December 2023 to pursue projects in fields from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to technology and energy infrastructure.
The agreements were exchanged between Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Aliyev also pledged to bolster links in sectors such as the economy, investment, food security and renewable energy during discussions held in the Karabakh region.
Sheikh Mohamed met Mr Aliyev in Abu Dhabi in July, during which the countries agreed on a major trade deal aimed at spurring economic growth. Sheikh Mohamed described the agreement as "a significant milestone in UAE-Azerbaijan relations" at the time.
The Azerbaijani leader also held talks in the UAE capital with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Their meeting was aimed at advancing peace efforts between the countries after decades of conflict.
Mr Aliyev and Mr Pashinyan went on to sign a peace pact in the presence of US President Donald Trump at the White House.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed called for "continued positive progress" in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Sheikh Mohamed had earlier been greeted by Mr Aliyev at Fuzuli International Airport, in the Karabakh region.
The two leaders travelled to the city of Shusha for an official reception. Sheikh Mohamed's high-level delegation includes Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President, as well as government ministers and senior officials.
Cultural connections
Sheikh Mohamed was given a chance to sample the Karabakh region's rich culture and tradition on a scenic tour with the Azerbaijani leader.
The two men visited Shusha Fortress, which dates back to the 1750s and is regarded as a historic symbol of the country, and the landmark Shusha Mosque.
Sheikh Mohamed also visited the Jidir Duzu Plain, a popular nature spot and tourist attraction which plays host to horse racing and equestrian exhibitions.
The UAE leader also toured monuments celebrating prominent prominent Azerbaijani figures in the fields of literature and the arts, and also paid a visit to the Shusha branch of the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan.
Sheikh Mohamed later departed Karabakh to conclude his official visit. Mr Aliyev said farewell to Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation at Fuzuli International Airport.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The Transfiguration
Director: Michael O’Shea
Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine
Three stars
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Huroob Ezterari
Director: Ahmed Moussa
Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed
Three stars
How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
- The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
- The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
- The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
- The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
- The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
Watch Live: beIN Sports HD
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Match info
Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 73' pen)
