Category: Azer News

According to the latest forecasts from ForwardKeys, a research company managed by Amadeus, Dubai is set to become one of the world’s top three most popular tourist destinations by the last quarter of 2025, alongside Tokyo and London, Azernews reports.

The report, which analyzes pre-booking data, shows that the number of international tourists visiting Dubai has increased by 6% compared to the same period last year. This growth further solidifies Dubai’s status as a global hub for tourism, leisure, and business.

ForwardKeys highlighted that Dubai continues to capture a growing share of global travelers: in the last three months of this year, the city accounted for approximately 2.2% of the expected international tourist arrivals worldwide.

The analysis reveals that India and the UK remain Dubai’s largest source markets, while China has shown remarkable growth, with a 34% year-on-year increase in bookings, pushing it back into the top ten countries sending visitors to the city.

Germany also recorded a notable 9% increase, underscoring Dubai’s expanding appeal across both European and Asian markets.

This surge in demand aligns with the winter tourist season, traditionally Dubai’s busiest period. The city’s advanced infrastructure, wide range of entertainment options, and world-class events continue to enhance its reputation as a premier global tourist destination.

According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, 11.17 million foreign tourists visited Dubai in the first seven months of 2025, compared to 10.62 million in the same period in 2024-an annual increase of 5%.

Experts believe Dubai’s steady growth reflects not only its resilience and allure but also its ongoing success in positioning itself as a leading destination that seamlessly combines innovation, culture, and exceptional hospitality.

Upcoming projects such as the expansion of Expo City Dubai and the introduction of new cultural districts are expected to further boost tourism, offering visitors even more diverse experiences beyond the city’s iconic skyline.

According to the latest forecasts from ForwardKeys, a research company managed by Amadeus, Dubai is set to become one of the world’s top three most popular tourist destinations by the last quarter of 2025, alongside Tokyo and London, Azernews reports.

The report, which analyzes pre-booking data, shows that the number of international tourists visiting Dubai has increased by 6% compared to the same period last year. This growth further solidifies Dubai’s status as a global hub for tourism, leisure, and business.

ForwardKeys highlighted that Dubai continues to capture a growing share of global travelers: in the last three months of this year, the city accounted for approximately 2.2% of the expected international tourist arrivals worldwide.

The analysis reveals that India and the UK remain Dubai’s largest source markets, while China has shown remarkable growth, with a 34% year-on-year increase in bookings, pushing it back into the top ten countries sending visitors to the city.

Germany also recorded a notable 9% increase, underscoring Dubai’s expanding appeal across both European and Asian markets.

This surge in demand aligns with the winter tourist season, traditionally Dubai’s busiest period. The city’s advanced infrastructure, wide range of entertainment options, and world-class events continue to enhance its reputation as a premier global tourist destination.

According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, 11.17 million foreign tourists visited Dubai in the first seven months of 2025, compared to 10.62 million in the same period in 2024-an annual increase of 5%.

Experts believe Dubai’s steady growth reflects not only its resilience and allure but also its ongoing success in positioning itself as a leading destination that seamlessly combines innovation, culture, and exceptional hospitality.

Upcoming projects such as the expansion of Expo City Dubai and the introduction of new cultural districts are expected to further boost tourism, offering visitors even more diverse experiences beyond the city’s iconic skyline.

Urban planning constitutes one of the priority directions in Azerbaijan’s national development strategy, President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the third National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The head of state noted that the approaches adopted in the field of urban planning and urbanization in the country contribute to economic sustainability, socio-economic prosperity, and adaptation to climate change. In particular, the large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects in the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions demonstrate the strategic vision and implementation capabilities of the Azerbaijani state in the field of urban planning.

The ‘Lerik’ Power Plant has generated a total of 207.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity from the date it was commissioned until October 1 of this year, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.

The modular-type ‘Lerik’ Power Plant, with an installed capacity of 16.5 MW, began operations on October 15, 2018, in the village of C?ngimeran, Lerik district.

Meanwhile, according to the State Statistical Committee, Azerbaijan produced 20.5 billion kWh of electricity from January to September 2025.

This represents an increase of 13.9 thousand kWh, or 0.1%, compared to the same period last year.

Apple CEO Tim Cook pledged on Wednesday that the company will continue to increase its investment in China and deepen cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial, win-win development, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Cook made these remarks during a meeting with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, in Beijing.

Li highlighted that China’s vast market and well-established industrial system offer enormous potential for investment and consumption. He emphasized that China will steadfastly promote high-standard opening-up policies, accelerate the adoption of smart technologies in industrialization, and drive the intelligent transformation of industries. Additionally, Li reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for foreign companies, including Apple.

‘We hope Apple will continue to explore the Chinese market, actively participate in China’s new wave of industrialization, and collaborate closely with Chinese companies across the industrial chain to pursue innovation-driven development,’ Li said.

This commitment from Apple comes amid ongoing global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, signaling the importance of China as a key market and innovation partner. Apple’s increasing investment could involve expanding manufacturing capabilities, boosting research and development efforts, and integrating advanced technologies such as AI and 5G in their product lines.

As China accelerates its shift toward a technology-driven economy, collaborations with global tech giants like Apple are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of smart manufacturing and digital transformation.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting addressed Azerbaijan-Finland bilateral relations, Finland’s OSCE chairmanship priorities, challenges within the organization, and the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the OSCE. Discussions also covered the post-conflict regional situation and the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of previous meetings between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Finland – held in Baku during COP29 and in New York during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week – noting their positive contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

Bayramov highlighted that Finland’s OSCE chairmanship coincides with a period of complex security challenges in Europe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the OSCE’s relevance and adaptability as a multilateral platform for dialogue.

He also briefed Valtonen on reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, the return of internally displaced persons, and the ongoing mine threat.

The ministers discussed progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, with Bayramov stressing the significance of the August 8, 2025, Washington meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the US, and Armenia, and the joint declaration signed there. He reiterated the need to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from the Armenian constitution as a prerequisite for a lasting peace.

The sides also discussed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, emphasizing its role in restoring regional transport and economic ties.

Both parties positively assessed the decision to suspend outdated OSCE institutions, including the Minsk Process, the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, and the High-Level Planning Group, considering them no longer relevant in the post-conflict context.

Bayramov emphasized the need to advance the Azerbaijan Cooperation Program and underscored the importance of practical cooperation in mine clearance, environmental assessment, and cybersecurity.

He also welcomed OSCE initiatives in the economic and environmental spheres, noting the success of the ‘Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region’ project initiated by Azerbaijan, which has now entered its third phase.

Concluding the meeting, Bayramov conveyed his best wishes for Finland’s OSCE chairmanship, expressing hope that it will contribute to revitalizing multilateral dialogue and strengthening cooperative mechanisms within the organization.

The meeting concluded with a comprehensive exchange on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

During joint operational-search measures conducted by the State Security Service (SSS) and the State Border Service (SBS) as part of efforts to combat large-scale drug smuggling and illegal trafficking, Azerbaijani citizen Asif Vagif oglu Huseynov, born in 1989, was detained while attempting to retrieve a concealed cache of narcotics along the Azerbaijan-Iran border in the Beylagan district, Azernews reports.

During the inspection of three packages recovered by Huseynov, authorities discovered and seized approximately 26 kilograms of dried marijuana and 2,520 M40 ‘Methadone’ pills containing narcotics.

The State Security Service confirmed that operational-search measures are ongoing to identify and detain other individuals involved in the illegal trafficking network.

Azerbaijan’s international referees, Ernest and Emil Agakishi, have received a new appointment from the European Handball Federation, Azernews reports.

The referees will officiate the Serbia-Lithuania match in the second group stage of the European Women’s Handball Championship.

The match will take place on October 16 at the “Vojdovats” Sports Center in Belgrade.

The European Women’s Handball Championship is the premier competition for senior women’s national handball teams in Europe, held every two years. Besides determining the European champions, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for both the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

As of December 2024, the only teams to have won the championship are Norway (with ten titles), Denmark (three titles), and Hungary, Montenegro, and France (each with one title).

The European Women’s Handball Championship is the premier competition for senior women’s national handball teams in Europe, held every two years. Besides determining the European champions, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for both the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

The 2025-26 Women’s EHF Champions League is the 33rd edition of Europe’s premier club handball tournament, running from 6 September 2025 to 7 June 2026.

The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future” organized by Mexico’s Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum, Azernews reports.

The exhibition is jointly organized by the Embassy of Mexico in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Anahuacalli Museum, and the Azerbaijan National Art Museum. Dedicated to the world-renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera (1886-1957), the exhibition marks the Anahuacalli Museum’s first project presented on an international scale.

The exhibition features nearly 100 photographic reproductions covering Rivera’s artistic legacy – including murals, paintings, sketches, as well as archival photographs and documents. These materials provide visitors with the opportunity to closely explore the unique creativity of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

At the opening ceremony, Director of the Azerbaijan National Art Museum Shirin Malikova, Ambassador of Mexico to Azerbaijan Victoria Romero, PhD in Arts Telman Ibrahimov, and Director of the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum Teresa Moya delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the exhibition. They emphasized that Diego Rivera’s art reflects universal values and constitutes an integral part of Mexico’s cultural heritage. The speakers also underlined that the exhibition contributes to strengthening cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Mexico, expressing gratitude to the organizers.

The exhibition consists of five main thematic sections that outline Rivera’s key role in Mexico’s social transformation. They cover the artist’s reflections on art, his position in the muralist movement, the synthesis of painting and architecture, and the social role of art in post-revolutionary Mexico. The displays reflect Rivera’s deep engagement in the Mexican Revolution, public education, and the role of art as a tool for civil society. Visitors will witness how Rivera emerged as a leading figure in Mexican muralism, valuing art not only as an aesthetic medium but also as an instrument for education and the formation of public consciousness.

Photographic reproductions of Rivera’s mural “Creation” (1922), painted at the National Preparatory School in Mexico, hold a special place in the exhibition. This monumental work is regarded as the beginning of Mexican muralism and demonstrates a synthesis of Renaissance style with local motifs. His later monumental projects, including murals at Chapingo and the Ministry of Public Education in Mexico, are also represented.

In addition, reproductions of murals at the National Palace in Mexico City and the Palace of Cortés in Cuernavaca showcase Rivera’s ability to present history as a social struggle and highlight the importance he placed on indigenous culture. Rivera’s international activities are also thoroughly represented in the exhibition. His mural “Man at the Crossroads,” created in 1933 at Rockefeller Center in New York, caused great controversy and was destroyed. However, Rivera recreated this work in Mexico at the Palace of Fine Arts under the title “Man, Controller of the Universe.” Documentary footage of this work is among the exhibition’s most notable highlights.

A central section of the exhibition is dedicated to the Anahuacalli Museum, created on Rivera’s own initiative. Designed by the artist himself and located in Mexico city, this unique space was built from volcanic stone. The museum aimed to serve as a bridge between ancient heritage, modernity, and the future. Architectural plans, sketches, and photographs presented in the exhibition vividly demonstrate Rivera’s idea of preserving cultural roots while inspiring future generations.

It should be noted that this exhibition project was realized through the initiative of Ambassador Victoria Romero and the joint efforts of the Embassy of Mexico in Azerbaijan, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Cultural Diplomacy, and the Anahuacalli Museum.

This initiative showcases the role of art as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, presenting to the international community Rivera’s artistic vision rooted in the social struggles of the Mexican people.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until December 30, 2025.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az

On October 15, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Elina Valtonen, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Azernews reports.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Elina Valtonen first conveyed the greetings of President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Alexander Stubb.

During the conversation, the sides fondly recalled the meetings between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Finland, as well as Finland’s high-level participation in the COP29 event held in Baku.

Elina Valtonen congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the progress achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, emphasizing its significance for restoring peace and stability across the OSCE area and for fostering regional cooperation.

She announced that, at the request of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the activities of the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures would be terminated by December 1, 2025.

The head of state underlined that the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, had created favorable conditions for advancing the peace agenda.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the importance of the TRIPP project, for which Armenia assumed responsibility in Washington, noting its benefits for regional cooperation and its positive impact on the wider region.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OSCE and exchanged views on the prospects for Azerbaijan-Finland bilateral relations.