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Passenger traffic at Samarkand International Airport reached 708,000 in the first half of 2025 — a 9.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to airport operator Air Marakanda.

The majority of passengers, approximately 678,000, traveled internationally, while around 29,600 flew domestically within Uzbekistan.

As of early July, the airport had handled over 5,500 flights — up 4.9% year-on-year. New routes launched this year include flights to Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, and Dushanbe.

Air Marakanda highlighted its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience, including integration with global loyalty programs such as Priority Pass and Lounge Key.

By the...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has urged regional officials to focus on cultivating agricultural products that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heat and frost. His comments came during a government meeting dedicated to boosting the country’s agri-export potential.

«Officials must stop blaming the weather and start adapting to it,» Mirziyoyev emphasized, pointing out that in a time of shifting climates, every export market holds strategic value for Uzbekistan.

He called particular attention to Surxondaryo, Tashkent regions, and Karakalpakstan — areas that currently lag behind others in fruit and vegetable exports. Mirziyoyev stressed...

Authorities in Tashkent have launched a new online service that allows citizens to verify whether a construction company has had its operations suspended due to violations. The initiative was introduced in response to a high volume of public inquiries regarding construction projects, according to the capital’s city administration.

By simply entering the name of a construction company, users can instantly see whether the firm’s activities are currently halted. The list is updated in real time and the verification service is available free of charge.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports on illegal skyscraper in Samarkand.

Juventus have officially unveiled their latest signing, Jonathan David, with the Canadian striker expressing pride and optimism as he begins his new chapter in Turin.

Speaking to Juventus club media during his first week at the club, David described joining the Italian giants as a dream come true.

«It’s a great honour for me to be part of a team like Juventus, and this first week of work has gone very well,» said the 24-year-old forward.

David revealed that conversations with several current Juventus players helped solidify his decision to move to Serie...

Paul Mario Day, the first-ever vocalist of the legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 69, the New York Post has reported.

Day joined Iron Maiden in 1975 at just 19 years old and served as the band’s lead singer for ten months. Although his time with the group was brief, he performed at several early concerts and was involved in the development of their debut album. He also claimed co-authorship of the track Strange World, though Steve Harris is officially credited.

Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Day continued his music career...

The government of Uzbekistan intends to increase pensions and public sector salaries each year at a rate exceeding inflation, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s fiscal strategy through 2028.

This initiative is aimed at ensuring steady income growth and strengthening social protection for the country’s population. The wage increases are also aligned with the national development plan «Uzbekistan-2030.»

The ministry noted that salaries in 2025 were increased ahead of schedule and at a higher rate than initially planned. Next year, over 1.7 trillion UZS will be allocated for additional wage hikes — up from 1.5 trillion UZS...

The volume of Uzbekistan’s unobserved economy reached 265.5 trillion UZS from January to June 2025, making up 32.9% of the country’s GDP, according to the National Statistics Agency.

The agency estimates that 201.3 trillion UZS of gross value added came from household and individual activities. An additional 64.3 trillion UZS was contributed by the shadow economy.

In agriculture, forestry and fisheries, unobserved activity accounted for 75% of gross value added. The share was 36% in construction and 35% in the services sector. In industry, the shadow economy’s contribution was estimated at 10.5%.

The unobserved economy includes all economic activity...

Liverpool recorded a 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in a pre-season friendly at Nissan Stadium in Japan. The Premier League side came from behind to take control in the second half following a goalless first period.

Uenaka Opens the Scoring for Yokohama

After a first half without goals, Yokohama took the lead in the 57th minute. A sequence on the left wing ended with Asahi Uenaka receiving a pass from Kato before sending a low shot into the far corner from inside the area.

Asahi Uenaka | Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 Liverpool

Liverpool concedes...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has criticised the underperformance of Uzbekistan’s trade advisors in several key diplomatic missions, citing their limited contribution to boosting fruit and vegetable exports to countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and Japan.

At a recent government meeting on the state of agro-export development, the president noted that efforts by diplomatic representatives in these countries have failed to meet expectations. As a result, Uzbekistan’s agricultural exports to not only these markets but also to India and Qatar have lagged behind projections.

Uzbekistan’s agricultural exports currently rely heavily on neighbouring and regional markets, with Russia, Pakistan...

A new national survey conducted by the Ijtimoiy Fikr Centre reveals that public awareness in Uzbekistan of human trafficking remains high, with most citizens recognising the severity of the issue and expressing confidence in the country’s preventive efforts.

The poll, based on multi-year monitoring, indicates that 61.3% of respondents in 2025 said they were well aware of human trafficking, compared to 62.8% in 2022. Another 29.5% reported partial awareness, suggesting growing interest but also the risk of misinformation if not paired with accurate education.

Media Plays Central Role in Awareness

Television remains the leading source of information for...

Uzbek fighter Bogdan Guskov has secured a spot among the top 10 UFC light heavyweights after a dominant performance in Abu Dhabi.

The updated rankings, published on the UFC’s official website, place Guskov in 10th position — a rise of three places — following his emphatic victory over Russia’s Nikita Krylov on July 26.

The bout ended in the first round, with Guskov claiming a technical knockout and extending his streak to three consecutive early finishes. His professional record now stands at 18 wins, 15 of which came by knockout, with just three defeats.

The result proved costly for...

Uzbekistan’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is witnessing steady growth as the country intensifies efforts to integrate digital tools into its economy. According to a new UNIDO report, Uzbekistan continues to make strides in building a competitive ICT industry, driven by government-backed initiatives and rising investor interest.

As part of a broader regional trend across Central and South Asia, Uzbekistan’s digital sector has become a significant contributor to economic transformation. Between 2021 and 2023, the country has seen an uptick in digital service exports and has actively participated in regional initiatives to improve digital connectivity and skill-building.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on People’s Friendship Day, using the occasion to pay tribute to the country’s multicultural society and reaffirm the state’s commitment to unity and inclusion.

In his address, the president acknowledged the more than 130 ethnic communities living in Uzbekistan, describing them as «a single, united family.» He extended his heartfelt congratulations and respect to citizens of all backgrounds, expressing «sincere wishes for peace and wellbeing.»

Mirziyoyev stressed that the country’s ethnic diversity, deeply rooted in its history, is gaining renewed importance in the era of New Uzbekistan.

At the final U.S. concert of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, global football icon Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo became the unexpected stars of the evening, thanks to the band’s playful kiss cam. The event took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, July 27.

As the camera turned to the couple, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin serenaded them from the stage.

«Well, Lio, my beautiful brother, you and your wife are looking so fine. Thanks for coming today to see our band play, the No. 1 sportsperson of all...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upward its economic growth forecast for the Middle East and Central Asia region, now expecting a 3.4% expansion in 2025, up from 2.4% in 2024.

Projection for 2026 is slightly higher at 3.5%. The updated figures, released in the IMF’s July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update, reflect a broader global trend of tentative resilience, shaped largely by shifting trade policies, a softer US dollar, and improved financial conditions.

Global Context Supports Regional Momentum

The IMF attributes part of the regional growth upgrade to wider global developments, particularly the unexpected easing of...

A powerful earthquake measuring 8.8 in magnitude struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific Rim. The shallow quake sent four-metre waves crashing into parts of Kamchatka and led to alerts in Japan, Hawaii and as far afield as Ecuador, Reuters reports.

Initial tremors caused moderate structural damage in the remote Russian region, with minor injuries reported. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described it as the most powerful seismic event in decades, a sentiment echoed by Russian geophysicists who said it was the strongest since 1952.

The quake’s epicentre...

Another dry and hot day is expected across Uzbekistan today, with no rainfall anticipated in most regions. Winds will blow at speeds of 7 to 12 metres per second, with gusts reaching 13 to 18 m/s in some areas, accompanied by blowing dust. Daytime temperatures will range from 32 to 37°C.

In the capital, Tashkent, conditions will also remain dry. Winds are forecast at 5 to 10 m/s, with daytime temperatures between 34 and 36°C.

However, in the mountainous regions, certain areas may experience brief showers and thunderstorms. Flash floods and mudslides are possible in the foothill and mountain...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 30. This article contains information about the most favorable rates.

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

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

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

On July 26, a 33-year-old singer Zeboyi Jahon, whose real name was Zebiniso Nosirova, was found dead in her home in Taylak district of Samarkand. Preliminary reports suggest that her husband may have been involved in the incident, according to a report aired by Millar on Milliy TV.

According to initial information, the man had arrived at the home of his former spouse, reportedly to visit their children. A dispute broke out between them, which allegedly escalated to physical violence, ending in the woman being strangled. Zeboyi Jahon died at the scene from her injuries.

Chinese companies have put forward a proposal to establish a $500 mln investment fund aimed at supporting joint ventures in Uzbekistan.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between members of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Association and Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology, Otabekjon Nasritdinkhodjaev.

The proposed fund is part of a broader cooperation framework that includes joint research initiatives, the creation of expert working groups and the alignment of environmental standards between the two countries. Partners from China also outlined plans to develop specialist training programmes and expand green financing options, all of which received backing from...

On July 24, 1975, Giorgio Armani quietly founded what would become one of the most influential fashion houses in the world. From a modest Milan launch, the Armani brand redefined modern luxury with its signature blend of Italian craftsmanship and minimalistic sophistication. Now, 50 years on, the label is marking its golden jubilee with a series of celebratory events that honour its heritage while signalling its next evolution.

Legacy Meets Technology: Launch of Armani/Archivio

The anniversary celebrations begin on August 30, during the Venice Film Festival, where Armani will unveil «Armani/Archivio», a digital archive chronicling the brand’s journey...

Disney has officially unveiled the first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the highly anticipated third instalment in James Cameron’s epic saga. The teaser had previously leaked online after being shown exclusively in cinemas ahead of Fantastic Four: First Steps. Now publicly released, the footage invites audiences back to Pandora and reveals two new clans — the sky-roaming Wind Traders and the fierce, flame-wielding Ash People.

James Cameron first offered a glimpse of the Ash clan during the 2024 D23 Expo, where he described the soot-covered tribe as terrifying and emotionally complex.

«We’re showing more of...

Arnold Schwarzenegger could once again step into the role of Dutch from Predator, this time in a live-action capacity, following his recent animated cameo and renewed discussions with director Dan Trachtenberg.

During the Predator: Badlands panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Trachtenberg hinted that plans are in motion to bring back Schwarzenegger’s iconic character. «I’m cooking up stuff for that guy,» the director told the Hall H crowd, referring to a recent breakfast meeting he had with the actor and former California governor.

Dutch’s Legacy in the Predator Universe

Schwarzenegger originally portrayed Major Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer in John McTiernan’s...

With speculation swirling around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, one key question has drawn the most attention — when will the new models officially launch?

While various leaks have surfaced regarding colours, display tweaks and camera upgrades, everything hinges on Apple’s announcement. Once the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to include the standard model, the 17 Air, Pro and Pro Max, is officially revealed, all other questions should be clarified, including pricing, which remains uncertain due to potential tariff concerns.

Possible Announcement and Launch Timeline

Judging by Apple’s release history, the unveiling will most likely take place in early...