BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. Uzbekistan and
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power are exploring ways to facilitate travel
between the two countries by simplifying visa procedures, expanding
direct air connections, and introducing seasonal charter flights,
during a meeting on October 15 in Tashkent.


This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan's Tourism
Committee, following a meeting between Committee Chairman Abdulaziz
Akkulov and Mohammad Abunayyan, co-chair of the Uzbek-Saudi
Business Council and head of ACWA Power.


The parties reviewed the implementation of a tourism action plan
signed in June 2026 and discussed attracting Saudi investors to
tourism infrastructure projects, developing master plans for
tourism zones and expanding public-private partnerships.


Particular attention was given to promoting Uzbekistan as a
tourist destination in Saudi Arabia through digital public
relations campaigns, developing travel packages tailored to Saudi
travelers, strengthening cooperation between tourism companies and
simplifying visa procedures.


The proposed Uzbek pavilion at Boulevard World in Riyadh would
showcase the country’s cultural heritage and tourism opportunities
while allowing visitors to book and purchase travel packages.







Moreover, the parties discussed preparations for the 31st
Tashkent International Tourism Fair, “Tourism on the Silk Road,”
scheduled for Nov. 25–27, 2026, in Tashkent. Plans include
organizing familiarization trips for Saudi travel companies and
bloggers, holding business-to-business meetings and developing
five- to seven-day tourism itineraries.


Additional topics included expanding direct air connections and
seasonal charter flights, as well as attracting Saudi companies
specializing in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions
(MICE) to organize international conferences and business events in
Uzbekistan.


In addition, the sides emphasized the importance of exchanging
calendars of major tourism, cultural and entertainment events and
inviting Saudi investors to the International Tourism Investment
Forum, which will be held for the first time as part of the
Tashkent tourism fair.


Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue
negotiations on promising projects, advance the planned
initiatives, and strengthen practical cooperation to increase
tourism exchanges between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.