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.
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.