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If you are a fan of James Bond movies you must have wondered in which scenic country Pierce Brosnan drives along the oil fields and forests in the World is not Enough movie. Well that is none other than Azerbaijan!
Sandwiched between Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and the Caspian Sea, this country is also called the land of fire for its stunning natural wonders. With diverse landscapes ranging from the Caucasus Mountains to vast plains, there are so many attractions to explore. Even the capital, Baku, is famous for its modern and historic architecture.
Although famed for their oil and gas reserves, this country is worth visiting for its natural beauty and culture that consists of Turkic, Persian, and Russian influences. We offer Azerbaijan tour packages from Dubai, if you plan to visit this mesmerizing land, keep reading to find out more.
For UAE nationals fret not, you can stay up to 90 days visa-free within a 180 day period. With this privilege you are free to explore Azerbaijan from UAE as much as you like. On the other hand if you are a Dubai resident with a valid residency visa, you can get visa-on-arrival for 30 days. If you are an expatriate resident, you can apply for an e-visa in advance through the ASAN Visa system.
Do not worry the process is straightforward, requiring an online application, passport details, and a small fee. If you want some assistance do not hesitate to contact a reputed travel agency like Arooha for a smooth and hassle-free visa application. The processing time is typically three working days with an express service available for urgent cases. The most important document is your passport which should have a validity of at least 6 months.
This all depends on what you seek since a plethora of activities are available to you with Azerbaijan tourism packages experiencing all 4 seasons. For those wanting to explore stunning landscapes with full blooms and cultural festivals, Spring (April to June) is ideal since the weather is pleasant too. Summer (July to August) months can get very hot but are great for exploring the Caspian Sea coast.
If you want to witness the stunning foliage in mountainous regions like Gabala, Autumn (September to November) is a wonderful time to visit as the temperature is also milder. Adventure seekers with a love for winter sports should definitely take a trip here during Winter (December to March), there are excellent ski resorts in places like Shahdag and Tufandag. The decision is ultimately up to you as it depends on which season you are most comfortable with.
Regardless of whether you want opulent stays or budget friendly accommodation, Azerbaijan travel from Dubai offers a vast variety to suit your preferences. If you are seeking luxury hotels, the capital Baku has many like the Four Seasons, Fairmont Baku, and JW Marriott Absheron that house top-tier amenities.
Depending on what you want to experience, you can book boutique hotels in Baku’s Old City that provide a historic charm or stay in mountain resorts to be close to nature. As a country with diverse terrain, beachfront stays near the Caspian Sea like the Bilgah Beach hotel or the Qafqaz Tufandag hotel nestled among the mountains are great alternatives.
If you are a budget traveler, there are many affordable hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs available throughout the country, making visit Azerbaijan from Dubai accessible to all types of visitors.
In cities like Baku, the metro, buses, and taxis are affordable and efficient so getting around is quite easy. You can also find many options for intercity travel like domestic flights, trains, and long-distance buses connecting all the major cities. If you like to go on road trips, car rentals are also available but beware, the roads in rural areas can make a challenging drive.
This capital is like no other blending ancient historical monuments with modern marvels. A city tour of Baku is a must for anyone Dubai to Azerbaijan travel plan! Check out the Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, and narrow alleys filled with traditional shops.
You can witness a stark contrast with the modern Baku showcasing futuristic landmarks like the Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center, and Baku Boulevard, a scenic waterfront promenade. Enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife and visit cultural hubs like the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. As a visitor you can experience its deep-rooted history while marveling at its rapid urban development and cutting-edge architecture.
Take advantage of Azerbaijan’s winter season by travelling to one of its premier mountain destinations, Shahdag. As a top ski resort, there are slopes for all skill levels and activities like snowboarding and snowmobiling. While in the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, zip-lining, and mountain biking across scenic Caucasus Mountains .
There are numerous well-equipped luxurious hotels, spas, and restaurants, for you to unwind after a thrilling day. The fresh mountain air and breathtaking views make Shahdag a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts as it acts as both an adrenaline-filled sports destination and a peaceful retreat.
Would you like to see ancient rock carvings that date back over 40,000 years? Head straight to the Gobustan National Park which is also a UNESCO-listed site. These petroglyphs depict early human life, hunting scenes, and ritual dances, offering insight into prehistoric civilizations.
This area is around 60 km from Baku and consists of many attractions like rock art, mud volcanoes, and gas-emitting craters. It is a fantastic location for history buffs and nature enthusiasts as you can hike through rocky terrain while learning about Azerbaijan’s rich archaeological history.
This country is nicknamed the “Land of Fire” for a reason! Yanardag, or the “Burning Mountain,” is one of Azerbaijan’s most mesmerizing natural wonders. It is a hillside that has been ablaze for centuries due to underground natural gas seepage with flames constantly flickering along the rocky slopes.
This place is near the capital Baku and is a must-visit attraction especially at night as it is truly a surreal and mystical sight worth seeing. Yanardag carries historical significance, as fire worshippers of ancient times considered it a sacred place. Take a trip here to learn more about the fire-related mythologies while witnessing the eternal flames.
For those wanting to continue their quest for knowledge about Azerbaijan’s heritage, visit this charming town of Sheki. It is well-known for its rich history and stunning palaces with one highlight being the Sheki Khan’s Palace. It is an 18th-century architectural masterpiece known for the intricate stained-glass windows (shebeke), elaborate frescoes, and wooden carvings.
You can witness the grandeur of Azerbaijan’s medieval rulers and see other historic places like the Sheki Caravanserai which was once a vital stop along the Silk Road. Get a glimpse of this country’s regal past and insight into ancient trade routes by visiting this beautiful town.
You will fall in love with Azerbaijan’s cuisines with one bite as they offer rich flavors and diverse dishes. Blending Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Persian influences, this country has many signature meals such as plov, kebabs, and dushbara dumplings. You can also taste delicious drinks like sherbet and try their local varieties of wine such as Madrasa and Saperavi.
This beloved national dish is a must-try if you are visiting Azerbaijan. Plov has fragrant saffron-infused rice cooked with tender meat, dried fruits, and aromatic spices. Every region has their own variation and some add ingredients like chestnuts, raisins, or apricots to enhance the flavor.
Traditionally Plov was served on special occasions, it symbolizes hospitality and celebration. The rice is cooked separately from the meat and toppings for a fluffy texture and served in a large dish for sharing. Get a taste of this country’s rich culinary heritage through this mouth watering meal.
Where to try: Dolma restaurant, Baku
If you love BBQ try this delicious Azerbaijani barbecue dish cooked on a special cast-iron griddle called a "saj.” It is thinly sliced lamb, beef, or chicken marinated with spices and grilled alongside vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
This meal is served hot, accompanied by lavash (thin bread) and yogurt-based sauces. Saj Ichi provides an authentic taste of Azerbaijan’s barbecue culture. Nothing brings people together than a sizzling platter with a smoky aroma and rich flavors, making it a favorite at gatherings.
Where to try: Sahil bar and restaurant, Baku
If you are a fan of Chinese dumplings, you are going to love Azerbaijani dumplings. Known as Dushbara, it is filled with minced meat and spices, served in a rich, flavorful broth. They are a culinary delight and sometimes compared to Italian tortellini or Russian pelmeni.
As delightful as the taste is, preparing them is a labor-intensive process that requires skill to shape each dumpling perfectly. Traditionally, they are eaten with vinegar, garlic, and dried mint to add a depth of flavor and are especially popular in winter.
Azerbaijan has a long history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years, and its wines are gaining international recognition. The country’s diverse climate and fertile soil produce a variety of grapes, leading to rich and distinctive wines.
Regions like Gabala, Shamakhi, and Ganja are known for their vineyards and wineries, offering tastings of both red and white wines. Popular local varieties include Madrasa and Saperavi, known for their deep, fruity flavors. Make sure to take a tour of these wineries, sample unique blends, and experience the growing wine culture during your trip here.
Don't miss out on Azerbaijani sweets on your trip. Shekerbura is a traditional pastry popular during the Novruz holiday. It is a crescent-shaped treat filled with a sweet mixture of ground nuts, sugar, and cardamom, then delicately decorated with intricate patterns made by hand.
The dough is buttery and soft while the filling is rich and nutty making it a delightful snack to enjoy with tea. There are also other sweets you can try like Pakhlava, a layered pastry with walnuts similar to Baklava or Shor Gogal, a saffron-infused pastry.
