KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan held “Uzbekistan – The Pearl of the Silk Road”, on Tuesday. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Kuwait Ayubkhon Yunusov highlighted the rich and diverse tourism potential of his country, inviting Kuwaiti and Gulf travelers to explore its cultural and natural treasures. During the event, the ambassador announced the signing of an executive tourism cooperation program for the period 2025–2027, reflecting a mutual commitment to further developing this vital sector. He stated “We are pleased to share that starting from June 2025; Kuwaiti citizens will be allowed visa-free entry to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days. This is a significant step towards facilitating travel and tourism between our two countries.”
The Ambassador emphasized the progress made in bilateral relations, saying “Uzbekistan and Kuwait have enjoyed 31 years of fruitful cooperation and friendship. Our ties have witnessed remarkable development thanks to the mutual understanding and close dialogue between our leaderships.” Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador extended an open invitation “We warmly invite you to visit Uzbekistan, to experience its historical wonders, breathtaking nature, and the renowned hospitality of our people. You are always welcome.”
On the sidelines of the event, Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, who paid a visit with a delegation from Uzbekistan, stated that his visit to Kuwait aimed to deepen ties with local tourism entities and explore new avenues for collaboration. “The Kuwait Tourism Authority plays a pivotal role within the Middle East tourism framework. We are here with a delegation of around ten Uzbek tourism companies to build partnerships and promote our destination,” he said.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Kuwait Ayubkhon Yunusov
The Audience
Osamah Al-Mekhyal
Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan
Shadiev revealed that a national strategic tourism development plan for 2025–2026 has been issued and is now being translated into action plans tailored to Gulf markets, adding “In the coming weeks, we will launch a package of new tourism initiatives, including investment incentives and partnerships with key players in the region’s tourism industry.” Highlighting Uzbekistan’s tourism appeal, Shadiev noted “Uzbekistan is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a unique blend of mountain adventures, rich history and cultural depth.
Kuwaitis are natural explorers, and we welcome them to experience something truly special.” He also extended a call to Kuwaiti investors “The Uzbek government offers direct financial support of up to $5,000 per hotel room constructed, meaning a 100-room hotel can receive up to $500,000 in incentives. We see great potential for Kuwaiti investment in our tourism infrastructure.” Despite growing interest from the Gulf, he acknowledged that only about 500 Kuwaiti tourists had visited Uzbekistan so far, stressing the importance of this promotional event in building sustainable partnerships.
Commenting on bilateral ties, he added “The historic visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kuwait last February marked a turning point in our relations. It resulted in the signing of several agreements in tourism, investment, and cultural exchange including an MoU between the Uzbek Tourism Committee and Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.” For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for the Tourism Sector of the Ministry of Information and Culture of the State of Kuwait, Osamah Al-Mekhyal, emphasized that hosting the event reflects the strong and growing ties between the two countries.
He stated, “This gathering underscores our shared desire to open new horizons of cooperation in tourism, which will serve the mutual interests of our peoples and enhance cultural and economic exchange.” Al-Mekhyal described Uzbekistan as a promising tourism destination, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with a unique oriental cuisine, adding “This event is a valuable opportunity to explore the country’s vibrant tourism diversity and foster new partnerships for future collaboration.”
