The Republic of Uzbekistan is proudly represented by its national pavilion at the "Riyadh International Book Fair 2025", taking place in the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
The event is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Riyadh, Alisher Navoi National Library, the Center of Islamic Civilization, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, and leading publishing houses of the country.
The pavilion showcases both contemporary and classical publications, scholarly works, and illustrated albums dedicated to the history, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Of particular interest to visitors is a replica of the renowned Ottoman Quran preserved in Tashkent, as well as rare facsimiles of ancient manuscripts and archival documents.
In addition to the book exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to experience the richness of Uzbek culture and folk art: traditional suzani embroidery and national jewelry are on display, alongside works by miniature artists and artisans, ceramics, and traditional clothing. The pavilion also features calligraphy art, offers tastings of Uzbek dried fruits and natural sweets, and hosts an exhibition of folk crafts and decorative-applied arts.
Uzbekistan pavilion attracts significant attention from visitors. It is frequented not only by general attendees of the fair but also by entrepreneurs who take the opportunity to explore the country’s cultural exhibits while simultaneously engaging in business negotiations aimed at enhancing trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A delegation from the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Waqf Public Charitable Foundation Zayniddin Eshonkulov, took part in Islamic Economy Week and a regular meeting of the World Waqf Forum in Malaysia, reports Dunyo IA.
The events brought together representatives of the governments of 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as specialists in Islamic finance, zakat and waqf.
The head of the Uzbek delegation outlined reforms in the religious and educational sphere, social support for people in need and large-scale charitable initiatives being implemented in Uzbekistan.
Following the meetings, the sides agreed to exchange experience in waqf and zakat management amid digitalization, improve legislation, strengthen the collection and targeted distribution of funds, and develop the Islamic finance ecosystem.
The Uzbek delegation held talks with representatives of the Malaysian Parliament, the Malaysian Waqf Foundation, the World Zakat and Waqf Forum, the Kedah State Zakat Foundation and the leadership of Albukhary International University.
The sides also agreed to hold the next World Waqf Forum in Samarkand in November. Around 300 government officials and experts from Muslim countries are expected to participate.
The significance of the Islamic Civilization Center and the Imam Bukhari complex, officially opened in Uzbekistan in 2026, was also highlighted.
The delegation also met with Abdul Latif Mirasa, chairman of Malaysian publishing house Nasirul Quran. The meeting resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding providing for the exchange of experience and joint implementation of charitable projects.
To mark the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, the publishing house donated 20,000 copies of the book The Quran and Translation of Its Meanings into Uzbek to the Uzbek people through the Waqf Foundation.