Strategic reforms and cultural depth are driving Uzbekistan’s tourism boom, says official 

Umid Rustamovich Shadiyev, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology. Supplied
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Updated 10 June 2025
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Strategic reforms and cultural depth are driving Uzbekistan’s tourism boom, says official 

  • Chairman of the Tourism Committee praised Saudi Arabia’s diversification efforts in tourism
  • Saudi tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan rose from 1,731 in 2022 to over 4,100 in 2024

TASHKENT: As Uzbekistan undergoes an economic transformation, tourism has emerged as both a cultural ambassador and a powerful growth engine.

At the forefront is Umid Rustamovich Shadiyev, chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology. 

Formerly Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Shadiyev brings both diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of the nation’s rich heritage. 

Arab News spoke with Shadiyev during the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, a flagship platform bringing together global investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore Uzbekistan’s investment landscape. 




Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Gulf Summit with Central Asian countries in Jeddah on July 19, 2023. File/SPA

Now in its fourth edition, the forum has become a cornerstone of the country’s reform agenda, highlighting strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. 

This year’s event welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 70 countries, with tourism receiving special focus as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. 

Saudi-Uzbek tourism ties deepen 

The conversation turned to Saudi Arabia, where tourism is undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030. Shadiyev praised the Kingdom’s diversification efforts, calling it “a new center of global tourism.” 

Uzbekistan sees an opportunity for synergy, and a memorandum of cooperation in tourism was signed in 2022, followed by joint forums and high-level meetings in 2023 and 2024. 

“Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is growing stronger each year,” said the official. 




Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the headquarters of the International Conference on Central Asia and South Asia, held in Tashkent on July 16, 2021. File/SPA

The results are visible. Saudi tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan rose from 1,731 in 2022 to over 4,100 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in cultural, gastronomic, and mountain tourism. 

“There’s huge potential in developing family-oriented tours, heritage trails, and collaborative media campaigns,” Shadiyev noted.

Tourism university exchanges, journalist visits, and influencer collaborations are also being explored. 

In 2025, Uzbekistan is emphasizing sustainable tourism and aims to increase the average stay of foreign visitors to 10 to 12 days. Strategic partnerships — such as with Saudi Arabia — are seen as central to achieving this goal. 

Tourism emerges as economic pillar 

“Tourism is currently one of the key sectors of Uzbekistan’s economy,” Shadiyev noted. “In 2024, we saw a significant leap forward: the export of tourism services increased by 1.6 times, reaching $3.5 billion.”  

This performance is backed by a rise in entrepreneurship, with more than 2,000 new tourism businesses launched in the past year alone. From boutique hotels to eco-lodges and cultural tour operators, a new generation of investors is responding to supportive government policies and the sector’s strong profitability. 




Uzbekistan is also rolling out a UN tourism platform and a unified tourist card integrating visa services, tickets, and discounts. Pexels

The transformation is evident across the country. Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6.5 billion in tourism-related investments and added 130,000 new hotel beds. 

“These achievements reflect our commitment to building a world-class tourism ecosystem,” Shadiyev said. 

A major milestone came in April, when over 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a single month — a national record. 

Shadiyev attributes this growth to visa policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and active global engagement. “We’re not only opening our doors wider; we’re creating lasting experiences for visitors,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan aims to further increase both international arrivals and tourism export volumes in 2025. The government is systematically working toward these goals by investing in digital transformation, human capital, and diversified tourism offerings. 

Speaking at the opening of the investment forum, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted his country’s resource developments in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which he said “is sharply increasing global demand for so-called ‘technological minerals’.”

He added: “Uzbekistan is home to substantial reserves of minerals, including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, graphite, vanadium, titanium, and others. In total, the potential of our subsoil resources is valued at $ 3 trillion.”

Mirziyoyev said they are establishing techno parks in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions to use their capabilities to transform the region into a hub that produces “high value-added goods” from their resources. 

“In this context, I would like to put forward an initiative: investors implementing a full-cycle operation – from geological exploration to the production of finished goods – will be granted a rent tax refund for 10 years,” he also said.

Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product has doubled in the last eight years, and the government expects to increase it to $200 billion by 2030, Mirziyoyev said

“Last year, the volume of investments into the national economy reached $35 billion, and exports amounted to $27 billion. This is also a practical result of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, now being held for the fourth consecutive year,” he noted.

Four seasons, one destination 

Positioned at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has long served as a bridge between East and West. Shadiyev highlighted the country’s unique geographic and cultural positioning: “We’re the heart of Central Asia — no regional tour is complete without including Uzbekistan.”  




Uzbekistan aims to further increase both international arrivals and tourism export volumes in 2025. Uzbek Tourism

What makes Uzbekistan truly special, he said, is its year-round appeal. In spring, visitors celebrate Navruz, the festival of renewal, and explore blooming gardens, vibrant bazaars, and the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

Summer brings tourists to mountain resorts and natural lakes, rich fruit harvests, and traditional crafts festivals. 

Winter offers skiing and tranquil nature retreats, while autumn is ideal for cultural immersion and warm Uzbek hospitality.

“Every season offers a new story, a new flavor,” Shadiyev said.  

The country’s legacy is underscored by its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan is also witnessing a boom in niche tourism markets, including ziyarat, or pilgrimage tourism, ecotourism, domestic travel, and culinary tours. 

Uzbekistan’s rise on the global travel radar is also backed by international accolades.




Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6.5 billion in tourism-related investments and added 130,000 new hotel beds. Uzbekistan Travel

The country was named the Most Desirable Emerging Destination by Wanderlust, UK; won the tourism in the CIS award from Russian Traveler; and was featured among the Top 25 Destinations of 2025 by both BBC Travel and The New York Times.  

Gulf travelers drawn to shared culture 

When asked about Uzbekistan’s appeal to Arab travelers, particularly from the Gulf region, Shadiyev emphasized deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties. 

“Our shared Islamic heritage and atmosphere of religious respect make Uzbekistan especially attractive to Gulf visitors,” he said. 

Khiva’s designation as the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reflects this connection. 

Other key events include the Economic Cooperation Organization’s tourism forum in Shakhrisabz, which spotlighted opportunities in religious and cultural travel. 

Uzbekistan is enhancing its appeal through substance and strategy. 




In 2025, Uzbekistan is emphasizing sustainable tourism and aims to increase the average stay of foreign visitors to 10 to 12 days. Getty

A 30-day visa-free regime now applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as those of Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Direct flights from Gulf capitals are expanding, and tour operators are curating experiences tailored to Arab travelers. 

The country offers a rich mix of gastronomy — including signature dishes like plov, manti, and shurpa — as well as ethno-tourism experiences in traditional villages, and a vibrant calendar of music, art, and food festivals.

Uzbekistan is also rolling out a UN tourism platform and a unified tourist card integrating visa services, tickets, and discounts. 

“We’re not just promoting Uzbekistan; we’re building a seamless visitor experience,” Shadiyev added. 

Vision rooted in heritage and openness 

As the interview concluded, Shadiyev returned to a theme central to Uzbekistan’s tourism push: openness. “We are a country that welcomes the world — with history in our stones and hospitality in our hearts,” he said. 

The Tashkent International Investment Forum served as the perfect setting for this conversation, reflecting Uzbekistan’s economic momentum and its growing network of global partnerships — none more vibrant than those flourishing through tourism. 

As Shadiyev put it, quoting an old proverb: “It’s better to see something once than hear about it a hundred times.”


Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sign MoU to boost anti-money laundering efforts

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sign MoU to boost anti-money laundering efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, reinforcing regional efforts to strengthen financial security.

The agreement, inked between Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Financial Investigations and Kuwait’s Financial Intelligence Unit, was finalized on the sidelines of the second meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Committee of Financial Intelligence Units, held in Kuwait, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

The MoU aims to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the two nations. It is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of the region’s financial crime prevention frameworks, aligning with international standards and bolstering joint mechanisms among GCC financial intelligence units.

The signing follows a virtual workshop hosted in March by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development, which focused on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing within non-profit organizations, including charitable groups and foundations.

The agreement also reflects broader economic ties between the two Gulf neighbors. In February, Kuwait’s exports to Saudi Arabia reached SR137 million ($36.5 million), up 19.6 percent from the previous year, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Officials from both countries highlighted the MoU’s role in advancing national capabilities, fostering regional integration, and aligning with best practices in financial intelligence and compliance.

The renewed cooperation comes as Saudi Arabia continues to encourage Kuwaiti investment in its mining and industrial sectors.

In April, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a delegation of Kuwaiti businessmen during an official visit to Kuwait, emphasizing untapped opportunities in the Kingdom’s mining industry.

Alkhorayef underscored the sector’s importance to Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global industrial and mining hub. He cited estimates valuing Saudi mineral resources at over SR9.3 trillion.

Combatting money laundering remains a national priority for Saudi Arabia, which has implemented a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to protect the integrity of its financial system and prevent illicit funding activities, including terrorism financing.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down 0.34% to close at 10,574

Updated 22 June 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down 0.34% to close at 10,574

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged lower on Sunday, falling 36.44 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 10,574.27.

Total trading turnover reached SR3.72 billion ($991 million), with 134 stocks posting gains and 102 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also recorded a slight dip, losing 27.14 points, or 0.10 percent, to settle at 26,148.69, as 34 stocks advanced and 39 retreated. Meanwhile, the MSCI Tadawul 30 Index dropped 5.34 points, or 0.39 percent, to finish at 1,361.80.

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund was the best-performing stock of the session, with its share price rising 10 percent to SR8.25. Al Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co. followed with a 9.96 percent increase to SR12.36, while Knowledge Economic City climbed 5.36 percent to close at SR12.98.

On the losing side, Retal Urban Development Co. saw the steepest decline, falling 5.10 percent to SR13.02. Flynas Co. dropped 4.13 percent to SR74.20, and Saudi Chemical Co. declined 3.85 percent to SR6.24.

Shares of Hawiya Identity Auctions began trading on Nomu at SR13 per share. According to a Tadawul statement, the offering comprised 2.4 million shares, with Derayah Financial Co. acting as lead manager.

Gas Arabian Services Co. announced the signing of a joint venture agreement with Italy’s BONOMI Co. to establish a valve manufacturing company in the Kingdom.

The new company will have a capital of SR5 million, with BONOMI holding a 60 percent stake and Gas Arabian Services owning 40 percent.

The Saudi firm will fund its SR2 million share from internal resources. The deal is expected to have a long-term positive financial impact, though it remains subject to regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of conditions outlined in the agreement. Gas Arabian Services shares closed at SR15, up 0.40 percent.

Mayar Holding Co. revealed that its subsidiary, NewPlast Co., has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with Avant Sports to produce plastic chairs for sports stadiums.

The chairs will be manufactured at NewPlast’s Riyadh facility and will meet international and FIFA standards. The agreement supports Mayar’s commitment to localizing specialized industries in line with Vision 2030 goals.

The price range for the offering of the Sports Clubs Co. ranged between SR7 and SR7.5 per share, according to a statement by Saudi Fransi Capital, the financial advisor and bookrunner for the institutional subscription.

The offering includes 34.32 million ordinary shares, representing 30 percent of the company’s capital.


Saudi culture sector to triple GDP share to $48bn by 2030, says minister

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi culture sector to triple GDP share to $48bn by 2030, says minister

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia plans to raise the cultural sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 3 percent — or SR180 billion ($48 billion) — by 2030, up from under 1 percent, according to Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, the minister said the sector has already surpassed its previous 0.91 percent GDP share, with Vision 2030 targets being met ahead of schedule.

“Vision 2030 forms the foundation of the Ministry of Culture’s strategy and direction,” he said. 

“By 2030, we envision a cultural environment that nurtures talent, encourages innovation both locally and internationally, and supports the flourishing of creative and cultural enterprises.” Prince Badr said in the interview. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 3 percent, equivalent to SR180 billion,” he said. “This represents the core mission of the Ministry of Culture and its affiliated bodies in driving an ambitious cultural transformation.”

Since the ministry’s founding in 2018, employment in the sector has jumped 318 percent, while the number of cultural graduates reached 28,800 in 2024, up 79 percent from 2018. The ministry has also issued over 9,000 licenses, while cultural associations and amateur clubs surged from 28 to 993.

“One notable outcome is the increase in the percentage of citizens who believe culture is important—from under 70 percent to 92 percent,” Prince Badr said. The ministry also oversees national celebrations such as Founding Day and Flag Day and has documented 9,317 antiquities sites and 25,000 urban heritage locations.

Saudi Arabia has now met its Vision 2030 target of having eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Al-Faw joining the list in 2024. Cultural event attendance exceeded 23.5 million between 2021 and 2024, and major festivals such as the Red Sea Film Festival and Islamic Arts Biennale have become global draws.

The Cultural Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to 1,222 students studying at over 120 institutions across countries, including the US, the UK, and France. The program’s flexible design — no age limit or required academic background — has broadened participation. “Today, scholarship recipients are pursuing degrees in fields such as music, theater, and visual arts,” the minister said.

Through the Cultural Development Fund, the ministry has disbursed SR377 million to more than 120 projects. “Key areas of growth include heritage, music, and fashion. More than 1,200 creatives and entrepreneurs have benefited from its development services,” he added.

“Globally, there is increasing recognition of culture’s role in sustainable economic value creation,” the minister said. “Our role is to preserve and promote cultural identity while making it accessible and economically valuable.”


Saudi Arabia surpasses 116m tourists in 2024, exceeds goal for 2nd year 

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia surpasses 116m tourists in 2024, exceeds goal for 2nd year 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, exceeding its annual visitor target for the second year in a row, the official data showed. 

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest annual statistical report, the figure includes 29.7 million inbound tourists, an 8 percent increase year on year, and 86.2 million domestic trips, up 5 percent from 2023. 

The milestone reflects the continued acceleration of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which positions tourism as a central driver of economic diversification.  

After surpassing its original 100 million visitor goal six years ahead of schedule in 2023, Saudi Arabia has revised its ambitions upward, now aiming to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030. This figure is split between 70 million international and 80 million domestic visitors. 

In a post on X, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “The 2024 Annual Statistical Report showcases the sector’s remarkable growth and its role in enabling Saudi Vision2030, a record performance achieved with the support and guidance of the Kingdom’s visionary leadership.”

Total tourism spending in 2024 hit SR283.8 billion ($75.6 billion), with inbound tourists contributing SR168.5 billion, up 19 percent from 2023, while domestic tourist expenditure reached SR115.3 billion, a 1 percent rise.  

“The tourism sector continued to achieve record growth, reaffirming its transformation into a key driver of economic development and a fundamental pillar in advancing and diversifying the national economy,” the minister said.   

Inbound tourism also reached a record monthly peak in March with 3.2 million visitors. The average international tourist stayed 19 nights and spent SR5,669 per trip.  

A standout development in 2024 was the continued rise in non-religious tourism, now representing 59 percent of inbound visits compared to 44 percent in 2019.  

Leisure and holiday travel topped this category, with related spending reaching SR36.4 billion.   

Makkah remained the top destination, drawing 17.4 million overnight visitors, and Egypt was the leading source market with 3.2 million arrivals.   

Regional analysis revealed that Asia and the Pacific accounted for the largest share of inbound tourists, at 33 percent, followed by the Middle East and North Africa at 28 percent, and the Gulf Cooperation Council at 27 percent.  

Europe contributed 8 percent, while both the Americas and Africa each made up 2 percent of total visitors.  

The sustained growth reflects the Kingdom’s continued focus on developing its tourism infrastructure and global outreach.   

The ministry noted that this report highlights the exceptional and accelerated growth achieved by the sector through targeted marketing campaigns and support programs, contributing to the sector’s record-breaking performance.  
 


Air France eyes daily Paris-Riyadh flights amid soaring demand

Updated 22 June 2025
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Air France eyes daily Paris-Riyadh flights amid soaring demand

  • New route reflects airline’s ambition to reestablish presence in Saudi market
  • It comes in response to growing demand to access Kingdom’s expanding economic opportunities

RIYADH: Air France is planning to operate daily flights between Paris and Riyadh, a senior airline official told Arab News in an exclusive interview.

The announcement follows the launch of the carrier’s first direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and King Khalid International Airport.

Stefan Gumuseli, the airline’s general manager for India and the Middle East, outlined the importance of the new route for the Air France-KLM Group and said it reflects the airline’s ambition to reestablish its presence in the Saudi market.

The decision comes in response to growing demand from travelers and investors eager to access the Kingdom’s expanding economic opportunities.

The new route marks a strategic step for Air France as it expands operations in the region and aligns with the growing connectivity between Europe and Saudi Arabia.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Air France is adopting a comprehensive approach across its operations. Supplied

Talking to Arab News, Gumuseli said: “We’re starting with three weekly flights in mid-June, then gradually increasing to five. Our first major goal is to move to a daily service.”

He added that the market is not only outward-looking; the airline is also responding to rising inbound demand for Saudi Arabia, noting that it is experiencing almost exponential year-on-year growth.

Gumuseli also pointed to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which reflects a strong commitment to developing tourism, hospitality, and culture, supported by substantial ongoing investments. He said: “All these megaprojects are a clear sign that tourism is booming. We have a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and are expanding our cooperation.”

His comments were echoed by Air France’s Senior Vice President for Benelux, Asia, India, the Middle East, and East Africa Bas Gerressen, who told Arab News: “Tourism is a very important factor, but we also need traffic, which has grown significantly over the past two years.

“The more connectivity there is between the two countries, the more economic exchange will flourish in both directions,” Gerressen added. 

Air France-KLM has entered into codeshare agreements to strengthen its network connectivity.

“We also place our code on these flights. So, when you consider all that connectivity from both sides, demand can only grow,” Gerressen said.

He added: “I believe Saudi Arabia has many premium travelers, and we need to reach them in specific markets. We already have strong demand across our business, premium and economy classes.”

At the same time, the airline is leveraging its distinctive French identity.

The new route marks a strategic step for Air France as it expands operations in the region. Supplied

‘We position ourselves as a truly French brand — luxury, elegance, sophistication ... The French Touch. You can feel it the moment you board,” said Gerressen.

High-end products, gourmet in-flight dining, La Premiere lounges, and exclusive cabin experiences all reinforce this premium positioning. “We offer one of the best cabins in the region with our new first class, featuring a seat with five windows and just four seats in the entire cabin. It’s a revolution in the industry,” Gerressen added.

He emphasized the cabin crew’s vital role in shaping the passenger experience, highlighting their attentiveness and approachable demeanor.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Air France is adopting a comprehensive approach across its operations.

“Each new generation of aircraft reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 25 percent. Today, 28 percent of our fleet consists of these new aircraft, and our goal is to increase this figure to 80 percent by 2030,” Gerressen said. 

The airline is also the world’s leading buyer of sustainable aviation fuel. 

Gumuseli said: “We account for nearly 16 percent of global SAF usage, despite representing only 3 percent of total global kerosene consumption.”

Air France is investing in technology to enhance the passenger experience.

“We’ve decided to install high-speed Wi-Fi on board. In the event of a delay, passengers will receive updates about their connecting flights directly on their screens. With data and technology, we can truly personalize the service,” Gumuseli said.

“Our target customers include expatriates living in Saudi Arabia and tourists wishing to travel to Europe, North America, South America or Africa. Businesses are also a key audience, given the strong commercial ties between France and Saudi Arabia. We aim to serve all these segments,” said Gumuseli.

“Religious tourism should not be overlooked. Pilgrims can now combine Umrah with a more tourist-oriented experience,” he added.

Gerressen stressed the importance of the eVisa: “It is crucial. Simplifying the visa process will be essential in convincing more people to visit Saudi Arabia.”