Kuwait, Uzbekistan boost tourism ties with joint forum and future visa-free travel

Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information, Osama Hamad Al-Mukhial, said organizing the “Uzbekistan–Kuwait” Tourism Forum reflects the depth of bilateral ties and a shared desire to strengthen tourism cooperation that serves the interests of both nations.

Speaking at the forum — organized with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuwait and at the initiative of the Uzbek Tourism Committee — Al-Mukhial welcomed Chairman of the Uzbek Tourism Committee Umid Shadiev and his accompanying delegation, praising Uzbekistan’s rich tourism experience, which combines deep historical roots, stunning nature, and diverse eastern cuisine.

He emphasized that this event presents a unique opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and discover unconventional travel destinations, highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to building promising tourism partnerships that offer more travel options for Kuwaiti tourists.

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Ayub Yunosov, expressed gratitude for the strong turnout at the forum, which highlighted his country’s unique tourism assets under the theme ‘Uzbekistan – Jewel of the Silk Road’.

He noted that bilateral relations span over 30 years of constructive cooperation and have gained new momentum following the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kuwait in February 2025, during which both countries signed a tourism cooperation program for 2025–2027.

Ambassador Yunosov confirmed that the visa waiver for Kuwaiti citizens — allowing a full month of visa-free travel starting June 2025 — will facilitate smoother travel and boost tourism exchanges between the two countries.
He also pointed out that Jazeera Airways has been operating direct flights to Tashkent, Namangan, and Samarkand since 2021, enhancing connectivity and supporting mutual tourism growth.

Chairman of Uzbekistan’s National Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, stressed his country is undergoing a rapid tourism renaissance, directly supported by the Uzbek leadership. He described Kuwait as a strategic partner in this new phase.

In his remarks at the forum’s opening, Shadiev said, “It is a pleasure to be here in this important event, which reflects Uzbekistan’s keenness to strengthen its relationship with Kuwait, a brotherly nation with which we share deep historical and spiritual ties.”

He stated that Uzbekistan welcomed more than 10 million tourists in 2024 and aims to increase that number to 15 million annually by 2030.

“Uzbekistan is not only the land of history and Islamic heritage sites such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva,” Shadiev added, “but also a modern destination featuring winter mountain resorts like Amirsoy, and innovative eco- and health-tourism projects.”

He invited Kuwaiti tourists to explore this rich diversity and affirmed that the roadmap agreed with Kuwait includes joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips for media and tour operators, and coordination to increase direct flight routes.

Concluding his speech, Shadiev referred to President Mirziyoyev’s proposal at the 2023 Central Asia–GCC Summit in Jeddah to create a unified visa system between the Gulf and Central Asia. “Perhaps one day we can travel from Kuwait City to Tashkent under a single unified visa—an ambitious but achievable vision,” he said.

Shadiev announced that Kuwaiti citizens will be able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days starting June 2025. This move is part of a broader tourism openness policy aiming to attract 11 million tourists annually by 2025.

He praised the role of Jazeera Airways in enhancing air connectivity and looked forward to expanding flight frequencies and routes.

Shadiev invited Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of the growing opportunities in Uzbekistan, especially in hospitality, eco-tourism, and recreational projects. Major developments are underway in regions such as Tashkent, Jizzakh, and Qashqadaryo, where world-class resorts are being built.