WNAM MONITORING: A grand opening ceremony was held in Khiva for the “Arda Khiva” International Tourist Center. In his address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the rich historical legacy of Khorezm and its rapidly growing tourism potential.
“Khorezm is truly a pearl of the East. It has made an invaluable contribution to developing global civilization and culture. This ancient land is the birthplace of world-renowned scholars and thinkers, military commanders and statesmen, theologians, gifted poets, and hafizes”, the President stated.
The region’s magnificent historical monuments, a true treasure, were highlighted. The open-air museum city – Ichan Kala architectural ensemble – is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The region is home to more than 260 cultural heritage sites, each representing, through its unique architecture, a living history not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire Central Asian region.
Building on this rich heritage, tourism has been identified as one of the country’s strategic development priorities. Historical monuments and cultural heritage sites are being carefully preserved and actively integrated into the global tourism industry.
At the same time, large-scale projects combining history and modernity are being implemented. The new “Arda Khiva” complex is a prime example of visionary planning. Its grounds are home to 17 hotels and guesthouses, 9 restaurants, both open-air and indoor aqua parks, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, 5 cinemas and concert halls, exhibition pavilions, 70 retail stores, 300 market stalls, 11 artisan houses, an oriental bazaar, a jewelry center, fountains, and a scenic riverside promenade.
Thanks to this project, the region expects to attract an additional 1 million tourists annually. The service volume is projected to increase by 1.2 trillion UZS, and at least 2,000 new jobs will be created.
“I am confident that ‘Arda Khiva’ will open a new chapter in the development of tourism in Khorezm and become its second iconic destination”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during the inauguration ceremony. “I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the entrepreneurs and investors, builders and specialists, and everyone who made a worthy contribution to this noble endeavor”.
At the event, another major announcement was made: 2,400 hectares of land from Khiva district have been incorporated into the city of Khiva, where a new tourist complex, Sahro Yulduzi (“Star of the Desert”), will be constructed. The complex will feature hotels, entertainment centers, gastronomic and shopping streets, museums, eco-houses, summer camps, and zones for extreme tourism.
In addition, in Tuprakkala district, 5,000 hectares of steppe land will be designated for developing safari and hunting tourism. Along the banks of the Gazavat, Palvan, and Shavat canals, which flow through Urgench, Shavat, Koshkupir, Khiva, and Khazorasp districts, 80 new service, trade, and entertainment facilities worth $50 million will be developed. Tourist villages will also be established in Bagat, Gurlan, Yangibazar, and Urgench districts, further enriching the region’s growing tourism infrastructure.
In front of the Mamun Academy, a 2-hectare open-air smart museum titled “Great Thinkers” will be established. Presented in an interactive format and multiple foreign languages, the museum will introduce tourists to the rich spiritual legacy and life journeys of dozens of distinguished ancestors who brought fame to Khorezm.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that Khorezm and Karakalpakstan are two peoples united by nature and destiny, and tourism development in the region will be guided by a unified concept and close coordination between the two regions. To this end, a “Khorezm – Karakalpakstan” tourism ring project will be developed, and the Urgench – Gurlan – Mangit highway will undergo complete reconstruction.
In recent years, Khiva has been connected to the national railway network, a new station has been built, and the Bukhara – Urgench – Khiva line has been fully electrified. In 2026, modern high-speed trains named Jaloliddin Manguberdi will begin service on this route. In the future, these trains are also expected to extend service to Nukus.
During his speech at the ceremony, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly welcomed foreign guests and expressed his respect and best wishes to partner countries.
“Today, despite the challenging global situation, Uzbekistan is confidently following its path. Our people live in an atmosphere of peace and well-being, friendship and cooperation, and a spirit of creativity. Every reform, our goals and plans aim to improve people’s lives, and we will steadfastly continue this work. I am convinced that, together with you, my dear friends, through dedicated efforts, we will transform Khorezm and Karakalpakstan into one of the most beautiful and well-developed regions in the world, where science and innovation, culture and the arts flourish”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
