Azerbaijan’s deepening economic and strategic ties with the Gulf countries mark a significant evolution in the South Caucasus nation’s foreign policy and energy diplomacy. As the world undergoes an energy transition and as regional dynamics shift in the Middle East, Azerbaijan is positioning itself not only as a traditional energy exporter but also as a rising actor in green energy and regional mediation. This transformation is driven by both necessity and opportunity - and increasingly involves key players from the Gulf such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.