Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and striking modernity. Located on the western shore of the Caspian, the city is a major cultural and economic hub. Azerbaijan itself is known as “The Land of Fire” due to its rich oil and natural gas reserves, a history of fire worship, and the stunning Flame Towers in Baku that symbolize this heritage.

Azerbaijan is a captivating country nestled at the crossroads of East and West, boasting a remarkable blend of ancient culture, stunning natural beauty, and rapid modernization. Known as the Land of Fire, its diverse landscapes span nine distinct climate zones, creating a breathtaking panorama that includes the serene Caspian Sea coastlines, the majestic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, lush southern forests, and semi-deserts featuring unique phenomena like the mud volcanoes of Gobustan.

As a host, Azerbaijan is dedicated to a long-term vision of a competitive and sustainable economy, actively investing in innovation, technology, and the development of its non-oil sector. The country has cemented its position on the global stage by successfully hosting major international events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, proudly showcasing its world-class organisational capacity and modern infrastructure to the world.

Baku, the capital and largest city, stands as a vibrant testament to the nation’s dynamic future, earning its nickname as the “City of Winds.” Strategically located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, Baku flawlessly integrates its historical legacy with contemporary architectural marvels.

The city’s skyline is defined by icons like the Flame Towers and the Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Center, which blend seamlessly with the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), a labyrinth of medieval walls, palaces, and towers. Baku is the region’s primary economic, cultural, and scientific hub, offering delegates modern infrastructure, diverse accommodation, and a rich array of cultural and leisure attractions along its beautiful seaside Boulevard. As a proven global host, Baku guarantees a comfortable, engaging, and memorable experience for all international participants.

WORLD CAPITAL OF SPORT 2026

Baku is set to take the global stage as the World Capital of Sport for 2026, a prestigious title officially transferred from Monaco by ACES Europe. This honor recognizes the city’s extensive investment in over 200 modern sports facilities that are now fully integrated into its urban landscape. The designation also highlights a deep commitment to “Sport for All” policies, which have already seen female participation in major programs reach 40 percent as part of a broader push for inclusive engagement. Azerbaijan’s selection was further bolstered by its proven reliability and long history of delivering seamless logistics and security for world-class championships.

Baku’s track record is already well established through its hosting of the 2015 European Games and annual Formula 1 races. However, the city is now moving beyond being a mere backdrop for professional athletes. It is evolving into a dynamic hub for community-driven sports, where the primary focus rests on youth engagement and promoting fitness for the elderly, alongside its successes in inclusive female participation

For the international sports community, 2026 in Baku will offer a unique synergy of high-stakes competition and strategic industry dialogue. As the city prepares to welcome thousands of athletes, it will also serve as a vital networking hub for the global sports business.

DISCOVER BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

The Baku Convention Center, the largest in the Caucasus, is an ultra-modern platform capable of providing events at the highest international level. With a number of adaptable conference rooms and a main hall for up to 3,500 people, the Baku Convention Center offers a wide range of options for congresses, conferences, seminars, business meetings, concerts and other events.
The building of 46,000 sq. m. is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. Its outstanding feature is a large multi-pixel monitor placed in the building’s foyer. The Baku Convention Center has 17 conference rooms with a total capacity of up to 2500 people. In addition to conference rooms and lecture halls, there are rooms for meetings and workshops.
The Baku Convention Center is located in a rapidly developing area of Baku, placing you within easy reach of a variety of amenities and attractions.
The Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard is located in an area known for its modernity and seaside charm, distinct from the historic city center. The Marriott Boulevard’s specific location places it directly on the stunning Baku Boulevard, offering guests a different range of nearby attractions.
Restaurants: The hotel itself offers a variety of dining options, including a sports bar and multiple restaurants. However, step outside and you’ll find yourself on the Baku Boulevard, a long seaside promenade. This area is packed with numerous cafes, restaurants, and snack bars, ranging from casual to upscale. You can find everything from local Azerbaijani food to international cuisine. The nearby Port Baku area is also known for its high-end restaurants and is easily accessible.
Shopping Malls: The most convenient shopping mall is Park Bulvar Mall, which is situated directly on the Baku Boulevard. This mall offers a wide array of stores with both international and local brands, as well as a cinema and a food court. Another major shopping destination is Port Baku Mall, a luxury shopping center featuring high-end international brands, which is also within walking distance or a very short taxi ride from the hotel.
Other Attractions: The biggest draw of the Marriott Boulevard is its location directly on the Baku Boulevard. This is a destination in itself, perfect for a relaxing stroll with beautiful views of the Caspian Sea and the Baku skyline, including the iconic Flame Towers. Along the boulevard, you can also find other attractions such as the Baku Eye Ferris wheel and a mini-Venice with a series of canals and bridges. For cultural attractions, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a short distance away, and the historic Old City is a quick taxi ride.