Yesterday on December 26th Muslim Board of Uzbekistan received Sheykh Salikh Salim Bahvayniy, the managing director of “al-Hidoya” company. The guest was welcomed by Ortikbek Yusupov, the Chairman of Committee on religious affairs under Cabinet Ministers of Uzbekistan and Usmankhan Alimov, Muftiy, Chairman of Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.
In his speech Usmankhan Alimov commented that with partnership of “al-Hidoya” company haj and umrah visits have been continuing successfully. However, it was suggested to improve the quality of services in hotels, transportation, meals, providing additional spaces in Mina and Musdalifa, creating more favorable conditions for the coordinating group of organizers, chefs and medical staff for the next year.
During the talks Ortikbek Yusupov underlined to book new hotels in Madina, to pay attention to organize general dining hall, to allocate separate room for organizers.
In his turn Sheyh Salih Salim Bahvaniy noted that serving to pilgrims was a great honor for him and his company, as a result Sheyh Salih stressed that his company serving pilgrims as for their family. Also, he noted to take into account all the comments and improve them in the coming pilgrimage. Sheyh also expressed his gratitude for the partnership.
At the end of the meeting agreement on “Umra-2018” was signed. According to the document 8500 pilgrims in spring season and 1500 pilgrims in Ramadan season will perform umrah. “Umra-2018” campaign is going to start on February 1st, 2018.
Press Service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan



Egyptian publication “Al-Ahram Weekly” has published an article titled “Uzbekistan’s cultural renaissance: How the Silk Road Civilization is reclaiming its voice on the global stage”, highlights the country's cultural revival, the development of the creative economy and the expansion of international cultural cooperation, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication notes that for centuries, Uzbekistan sat at the very heart of the Great Silk Road, connecting the civilizations, religions and cultures of Asia, the Middle East and Europe and today, it is once again capturing the attention of the global community.
According to Gayane Umerova, Head of the Department of Creative Economy and Tourism of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, culture, tourism and the creative economy are envisioned as fundamental pillars of the nation’s future, alongside infrastructure and industry. This approach, as noted, defines the state mandate to open Uzbekistan to the world and to welcome the world back to Uzbekistan.
Publication highlights that the nation's strategy extends beyond restoring historical sites to establishing new cultural platforms, including the Bukhara Biennial, the Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent, the future Jadid Heritage Museum and international exhibition participation. This approach signifies a multifaceted cultural development policy.
Publication separately underscores the development of the creative economy and its nexus with cultural diplomacy and the nation’s investment attractiveness. It notes that every major cultural initiative in Uzbekistan is originally designed with a strategic focus on tourism development and investment attraction, including the “Samarkand Express” project, implemented in partnership with the Italian company “Arsenale Group”.
Publication also highlights the international acclaim received by Uzbekistan’s cultural projects, including the nation’s “Garden of Knowledge” pavilion at “Expo 2025 Osaka”, which was honored with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award.
Particular emphasis is placed on the preservation of Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage, the advancement of museum infrastructure and the implementation of projects aimed at integrating historical legacy into the contemporary cultural context, including the Bukhara master development plan designed by the “Wilmotte & Associés” architectural bureau.
A dedicated section of the article focuses on Uzbekistan’s cultural cooperation with Egypt and the Arab world. It notes that the sides are discussing prospects for interaction in the fields of museum management, tourism, and cultural heritage preservation, alongside the development of institutional partnerships.
According to the publication, a highly symbolic milestone was the election of Professor Khaled El-Anany as Director-General of UNESCO during the 43rd session of the organization’s General Conference, which took place in Samarkand.
In conclusion, it underscores that Uzbekistan is envisioned as a nation that remains profoundly loyal to its traditions while simultaneously advancing modern cultural and creative industries, thereby strengthening international cultural cooperation.