President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Azerbaijan's Aliyev during official visit


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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.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
War and the virus
The five pillars of Islam
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PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

SPECS
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The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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Key developments

All times UTC 4

The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima


Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650

Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder

Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm

Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km

Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 0

Manchester City 2

Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Company Profile

Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
  • Drones
  • Animals
  • Fireworks/ flares
  • Radios or power banks
  • Laser pointers
  • Glass
  • Selfie sticks/ umbrellas
  • Sharp objects
  • Political flags or banners
  • Bikes, skateboards or scooters
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

While you're here
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Updated: September 16, 2025, 5:01 PM`