News

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian platform Ikhlas.com Travel & Umrah has introduced a new travel product that combines the traditional pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with cultural tours of Uzbekistan.

The program, called Umrah Plus Uzbekistan, was unveiled in partnership with AirAsia X (AAX), which recently launched direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent.

Starting at $1,318, the all-inclusive packages cover flights, accommodation, meals, and guided visits to Uzbekistan’s historic Islamic landmarks. The offer is available exclusively during the AirAsia Travel Fair 2025, held from August 22–24 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre.

Ikhlas.com CEO Ikhlas Kamarudin highlighted that the new program provides pilgrims with a unique opportunity:

Uzbekistan is considering buying ferries from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to strengthen its cargo transport capacity across the Caspian Sea, Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov said in an interview with national broadcaster «Uzbekistan 24.»

According to the minister, both countries operate shipbuilding facilities capable of producing the vessels Uzbekistan needs. The ferries would be deployed to expand freight services along the Trans-Caspian route, a corridor that is becoming increasingly important for regional trade and logistics.

Plans for cooperation in shipbuilding are not new. In autumn 2023, Azerbaijani outlet Vesti.az reported that Tashkent and Baku were preparing to launch joint ferry production...

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington has acquired a 10% share in semiconductor giant Intel, describing the move as a strategic step to bolster domestic chip production.

«This is a win-win deal for America and for Intel, which is leading in advanced semiconductor and microchip manufacturing,» Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The agreement was reportedly reached with Intel’s chairman, Lip-Bu Tan. Trump emphasized that the U.S. government did not pay for the stake, though no further details of the arrangement were disclosed.

According to Bloomberg, the deal is expected to support

Turkmenistan’s National Leader and head of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, has presented a special gift to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev — a camel and its young calf.

According to the Uzbek presidential press service, the animals carry a symbolic meaning, representing prosperity and well-being.

The gift ceremony took place in the city of Turkmenbashi, during a trilateral meeting that also included Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Berdymukhamedov also honored Aliyev with a purebred Akhal-Teke horse named Taus, which he explained stands for «Long live Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan.»

As part of the visit, the three leaders attended a performance by Turkmenistan’s renowned equestrian group Galkynysh, showcasing the country’s rich cultural...

A hacker using the alias ByteToBreach has claimed responsibility for breaking into the systems of Uzbekistan Airways, allegedly stealing personal information belonging to hundreds of thousands of people — including employees of several U.S. government agencies. The claim was first reported by Straight Arrow News, which reviewed samples of the leaked data.

What the hacker claims

According to the publication, the data set allegedly includes:

Among...

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has launched exploration work at an oil field in Uzbekistan, according to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Speaking after a trilateral meeting with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Aliyev expressed optimism about the project’s potential. 

«We hope that within the next year or two, SOCAR will deliver good news. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the announcement of a major oil discovery in Uzbekistan,» he said.

The initiative follows an agreement signed in July between Uzbekistan’s government and SOCAR to jointly develop oil resources...

Uzbekistan received more than 6.3 mln foreign visitors between January and July 2025, a year-on-year increase of 48.9%, according to the National Statistics Committee.

Neighbouring markets dominated arrivals. Kyrgyzstan accounted for over 1.8 mln trips, Kazakhstan 1.46 mln and Tajikistan 1.44 mln. Tourists from Russia exceeded 536,800, while more than 267,400 people arrived from Afghanistan.

From longer-haul markets, China sent 103,100 visitors, Turkey 96,400 and India 38,000.

Family visits remained the principal reason for travel, with more than 4.3 mln entries. Leisure tourism totalled 949,900 trips and work purposes 710,000. Business travel stood at 255,100 as of early August.

Since the start of 2025, trade between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has totalled $700 mln, according to figures announced during a meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the chairman of the Turkmen Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

The talks, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast, focused on expanding cooperation between Tashkent and Ashgabat and deepening their strategic partnership.

Both leaders stressed that since the beginning of this winter a free trade regime has been in effect between the two countries, laying the foundation for stronger economic ties. They also noted that collaborative projects are being...

At a joint press conference, Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Tashkent, Ashgabat and Baku had placed special emphasis on developing regional transit corridors. The briefing also included Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev and chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

Representatives of the three states discussed using the seaports of Baku and Turkmenbashi and creating shared logistics infrastructure. They also reviewed the integration of national transport systems by aligning existing and planned routes across the region.

Mirziyoyev announced agreement to implement projects in logistics and ferry services across the Caspian Sea. The sides plan to expand cooperation in oil production...

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are considering the launch of a joint programme aimed at promoting tourism and cultural exchange. The initiative was discussed at a trilateral meeting held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

The programme is designed to highlight the cultural heritage and shared traditions of the three nations while fostering closer ties through tourism development.

Meeting brought together Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev.

Beyond tourism and culture, the leaders also focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, transport and energy.

Discussions included the prospect of a major...

South Korean fintech Toss (Viva Republica) has announced the removal of fees for international remittances made by foreign residents in Korea. The initiative will remain in effect until the end of 2025.

Among the countries included are Uzbekistan, the U.S., China, and Vietnam. For the hundreds of thousands of Uzbek migrants living in Korea, this means being able to send hard-earned income to their families without additional costs.

According to Toss, the initiative will benefit around 1.53 mln people, representing 64% of all registered long-term foreign residents in South Korea.

A Toss representative highlighted:

«This campaign is not only about waiving fees. It...

Between January and July 2025, over 4.3 mln Uzbek citizens travelled abroad, marking a 28.2% increase compared with the same period last year, according to data from the National Statistics Committee.

Kyrgyzstan proved the most popular destination with 1.9 mln visits, followed by Kazakhstan with 799,400 and Tajikistan with 754,100 trips.

Russia also attracted significant numbers, welcoming 274,300 Uzbek travellers, while Saudi Arabia received 151,700 and Turkey 141,700.

Further afield, 22,700 tourists from Uzbekistan visited Vietnam, and 20,400 travelled to China.

Kursiv also reports that Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have created a new tourism ring, enhancing regional travel...

The fandom surrounding Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera, known together as «DustBia», has achieved a new milestone in the world of pop culture.

The duo, who rose to popularity during the Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, recently became the first PBB collab housemates to surpass 1.2 mln posts on X (formerly Twitter). Fan-driven conversations under the DustBia tag have reached more than 5.8 mln users worldwide, reflecting the pair’s growing international recognition.

Beyond social media, DustBia’s supporters have launched large-scale billboard campaigns across the globe. Dustin and Bianca have been featured on LED screens in Times Square (New York), South Korea, and multiple cities across...

Ukrainian startup Fintech Farm, founded by entrepreneur Dmytro Dubilet, has introduced a new digital bank in Uzbekistan under the brand name Tezbank. The project is being implemented in partnership with the local Hamkorbank.

According to Finance.ua, Tezbank has already opened pre-orders for its payment cards. While the company has not disclosed the investment volume for the Uzbek launch, it previously secured $32 mln in funding to expand operations in India.

The new platform aims to compete with established Uzbek services by offering a more advanced mobile app and customer-focused digital tools.

For Fintech Farm, Uzbekistan represents its fifth international market, following earlier launches of digital banks in other countries.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has begun a working trip to Turkmenistan at the invitation of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.

The presidential aircraft landed at Turkmenbashi International Airport, where Mirziyoyev was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev along with senior representatives of the Turkmen government.

The visit is expected to include high-level talks aimed at strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation between the two neighboring states.

Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington DC, has officially declared September 1 as the «Day of the 34th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence» in the US capital, Dunyo reports. The proclamation, issued in honour of the anniversary, underlined the significance of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day and recalled that the United States was among the first nations to recognise the country’s sovereignty.

A Symbol of Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The declaration of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day in Washington is seen as more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the growing partnership between the two nations and highlights the deepening of ties across political, economic...

Uzbekistan has officially appointed Dilshod Akhatov as its first ambassador to Liechtenstein. He presented his credentials to Hereditary Prince Alois, marking a new stage in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

During the ceremony, Prince Alois extended greetings to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and welcomed the start of closer cooperation.

The Uzbek delegation also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni. She pointed to the positive experience of working together within the Swiss-led IMF voting group and noted that Liechtenstein’s entry into the institution in October 2024 would open the door for deeper financial and economic...

Dry weather is expected throughout Uzbekistan today. Winds will range from 7 to 12 m/s with occasional gusts reaching 13 to 18 m/s accompanied by dust. Daytime temperatures are forecast between 32°C and 37°C.

The capital will remain dry with moderate winds of 3 to 8 m/s. Temperatures are predicted at 35°C to 37°C.

Weather in the mountain areas will also stay dry. Winds are likely to blow at 7 to 12 m/s with stronger gusts of up to 18 m/s in certain locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 30°C.

Air Quality Levels in Tashkent

According...

Several banks have updated their rates for exchanging foreign currencies into UZS as of August 22. This article contains information about the most favourable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer the best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value...

Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reached $44.7 bn in January–July 2025, according to the State Statistics Committee. This is a 19.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports rose to $20.1 bn (+34.9%), while imports climbed to $24.2 bn (+9.9%). As a result, the trade deficit narrowed to $4.18 bn, down from $7.2 bn a year earlier.

Gold Drives Export Growth

In July, Uzbekistan resumed gold exports, selling $1.09 bn worth after a one-month pause. Total gold sales in the first seven months reached $7.58 bn, up 80.9% year-on-year and already exceeding the full-year figure for 2024.

Energy and Food Exports Rise

Exports of fuel and energy products grew 11.5% to $876.2 mln...

London-listed TBC Bank Group (TBC PLC), the leading financial services provider in Georgia and operator of one of Central Asia’s largest digital banking ecosystems, has announced plans to acquire a controlling stake in OLX Uzbekistan, one of the country’s most visited online classifieds platforms. The acquisition is from OLX Group, the classifieds arm of Prosus, one of the world’s largest technology investors.

A Milestone Deal for Uzbekistan’s Tech Market

The move gives TBC Uzbekistan access to new customer segments through OLX UZ, Uzbekistan’s sixth most visited website. The platform attracts 5.4 mln monthly users and hosts 2.2 mln...

Severe unrest broke out in the stands of the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda during the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile. The violence, which saw rival fans throwing stones and makeshift weapons, left at least 10 people seriously injured, around 90 detained, and forced the suspension of the match.

Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera halted play in the 48th minute with the score tied at 1-1. Shortly afterwards, Conmebol issued a statement confirming that the game had been cancelled due to a lack of security guarantees from both the host club and...

Uzbekistan produced more than 25.3 bn cubic metres of natural gas between January and July 2025, a year-on-year fall of 3.4%, according to data released by the National Statistics Committee.

Gas condensate production also decreased, dropping from 725,700 tonnes last year to 668,000 tonnes. Oil extraction declined by nearly 11%, falling to 378,800 tonnes.

Despite reduced domestic output, Uzbekistan significantly increased its gas exports. Overseas sales rose by 38.2% over the year, reaching $438.6 mln.

At the same time, the country cut back on imports. By August 1, gas imports stood at $734 mln. Imports of coal and coke...

Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento is being considered for the position of head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, according to reports from Championat.Asia.

Bento most recently led the United Arab Emirates but was dismissed after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese coach has managed several high-profile sides during his career. He guided South Korea to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and previously took Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

At club level, Bento has overseen Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos, adding to his extensive managerial experience...