Abu Dhabi and Baku have officially signed a Twin City agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration across urban planning, mobility, public transport, and green infrastructure initiatives. The deal builds on a shared vision outlined during President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Abu Dhabi earlier in 2026.
Focus Areas of the Partnership
The agreement outlines several key areas for cooperation between the two cities:
- Mobility Transformation: Joint efforts to improve public transport, traffic management, and digital mobility solutions.
- Urban Planning: Exchange of knowledge on sustainable city planning, land-use policy, and redevelopment strategies.
- Green Infrastructure: Collaboration on parks, recreational areas, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Digital Innovation: Use of data-driven platforms, digital twins, and smart city technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Knowledge Exchange: Participation in exhibitions, benchmark studies, and institutional partnerships to share best practices.
The framework also establishes governance mechanisms with shared performance indicators, enabling both cities to monitor progress and scale successful initiatives.
Highlights from the Abu Dhabi Delegation Visit
During the official trip to Baku, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) delegation:
- Examined the 28 May Transport Hub, assessing passenger flows, accessibility, and wayfinding systems.
- Reviewed White City, a flagship project within Baku’s Master Plan 2040, focusing on integrating land-use policies with mobility infrastructure.
- Explored Baku’s UNESCO World Heritage Old City, studying urban preservation and pedestrian-focused planning.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, emphasized the value of this partnership, stating that collaboration accelerates innovation and improves the quality of life in urban environments.
Abu Dhabi’s Global Twinning Network
Abu Dhabi has established other international city partnerships, including:
- Shenzhen, China: Twinning agreement signed in January 2024.
- Brisbane, Australia: Sister City relationship maintained for over 15 years.
These alliances reflect the emirate’s long-term commitment to learning from world-class municipalities and applying pioneering strategies to enhance liveability.
Economic Impact
The twinning initiative complements broader UAE-Azerbaijan cooperation, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announced during President Aliyev’s visit. Currently, the UAE accounts for 50% of Azerbaijan’s trade with the GCC, with CEPA projected to contribute US$680 million to Azerbaijan’s GDP and US$300 million to the national economy by 2031.