‘Uzbekistan – Pearl of the Silk Road’: Tourism forum set to strengthen Kuwait relations

By Umid Shadiev
Chairman, Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan
Special to The Times Kuwait

Today, as global tourism is rapidly evolving, I can proudly say that Uzbekistan is confidently emerging as an active player on the international tourism stage. Besides showcasing our rich cultural and historical heritage, we are demonstrating a consistent policy of openness, a readiness for global partnerships, and an innovative approach to developing the tourism industry.

One of the most striking examples of this strategy is the upcoming Uzbekistan – Kuwait Tourism Forum, which we are organizing with the support of our embassy in Kuwait City. For us, this event is an important step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding ties in the tourism sector with one of our key partners in the Gulf region.

We have prepared a rich and dynamic program that includes several key events: the official presentation “Uzbekistan – the Pearl of the Silk Road”, business negotiations in B2B and G2B formats, and a large-scale Road Show aimed at the comprehensive promotion of Uzbekistan’s tourism image.

A special highlight of the program will be the “Uzbekistan – the Pearl of the Silk Road” presentation with a title that reflects a profound historical truth. Our cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, have for centuries served as bridges between civilizations, hubs of knowledge, art, and trade. Today, we invite our Kuwaiti partners and travelers to discover Uzbekistan as it stands in the 21st century – a modern, safe, and comfortable destination, while remaining deeply respectful and protective of its great heritage.

As part of the presentation, we will highlight unique routes of cultural and educational, pilgrimage, gastronomic, ecological and medical tourism. UNESCO recognized sites, dishes of our national cuisine, and achievements of artisans and creators will be shown.

We also place great importance on the business component of the forum. During the B2B meetings, leading Uzbek tour operators, representatives of the hospitality sector, and airlines will hold direct negotiations with their counterparts from Kuwait. This will facilitate the establishment of direct contracts and contribute to the elaboration of joint tour packages tailored to the needs of the discerning traveler. G2B meetings, in turn, will serve as a platform for discussing inter-agency and intergovernmental matters. Today, Uzbekistan offers transparent, clear, and attractive conditions for investors, and I personally invite all interested partners to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Road Show, a series of vibrant cultural and promotional events, equally deserves special mention. We will present a true palette of the Uzbek soul: musical and dance performances, master classes in traditional cuisine, exhibitions of handicrafts, and showcases of national brands.

I want our guests from Kuwait to see that Uzbekistan is not only a land of ancient cities, but also a living, dynamic society, one that warmly welcomes visitors and offers unforgettable experiences.

For us, Kuwait is more than a partner – it is a friend with whom we are ready to build long-term relations.

I am confident that the upcoming forum will lay a solid foundation for many successful initiatives, mutually beneficial projects, and a new level of cooperation in the field of tourism.

By opening our doors to Kuwaiti tourists, we are inviting them on a true cultural journey. We want every guest who visits Uzbekistan to leave not just with beautiful photos, but with a sense of genuine Eastern hospitality, spiritual connection and deep respect for our culture.