01.05.2025

A solemn ceremony for the opening of “Arda Khiva” international tourist center was held in the city of Khiva. In his address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the great past of Khorezm and its dynamically developing tourism potential.

- Khorezm is truly the pearl of the East, it has made an invaluable contribution to the development of world civilization and culture. This ancient land is the home to the scientists and philosophers known in the whole world, commanders and rulers, theologians, talented poets and khafis, - said the Head of State.

It was underlined that the great historical monuments of the region are a true treasure. The city-museum under the open sky – architectural ensemble Ichan-Qala is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are over 260 objects of cultural heritage in the region, each of them with its unique architecture represents a living history not only of Uzbekistan but of all Central Asia.

Building on this rich heritage, tourism development is defined as one of the strategic areas. The historical monuments and objects of cultural heritage are safely maintained and are actively integrated in the global tourism industry. 

At the same time major projects are implemented integrating history and modernity. The new “Arda Khiva” complex – another result of such plans. There are 17 hotels and guest houses, 9 restaurants, an open and closed water park, amphitheater for 3 thousand places, 5 cinema and concert halls, exhibitions pavilions, 70 shops, 300 trade stalls, 11 crafts houses, an oriental bazaar, a jewelry center, fountains and a promenade, on its territory. 

Thanks to this, the inflow of 1 million more tourists per year is expected, the volume of services provided will increase by 1.2 trillion soums, and the number of new jobs will amount to at least 2 thousand.

- I am convinced that “Arda Khiva” will open a new page in the development of tourism in Khorezm and become its second “visiting card”. Taking this opportunity, I express my sincere gratitude to entrepreneurs and investors, builders and specialists, all those who have made a worthy contribution to this noble endeavor, - said the President.

Another news was also presented during the ceremony: 2.4 thousand hectares of land of Khiva district were transferred to Khiva city, where a new tourist complex “Sahro Yulduzi” (“Desert Star”) will be built.

It will accommodate hotels, entertainment centers, gastronomic and shopping streets, museums, eco-houses, summer camps and areas for extreme tourism.

Safari and hunting tourism will also be developed in Tuprakkala district on the territory of 5 thousand hectares of steppe. Along the banks of Gazavat, Palvan and Shavat canals flowing through Urgench, Shavat, Koshkupyr, Khiva and Khazorasp districts, 80 service, trade and entertainment facilities worth $50 million will be organized. Tourist villages will be established in Bogot, Gurlen, Yangibazar and Urgench districts.

A smart open-air museum “Great Thinkers” will be created in front of the Ma'mun Academy on an area of 2 hectares. Here, the rich spiritual heritage and life path of dozens of prominent ancestors who glorified Khorezm will be presented to tourists in an interactive form and in several foreign languages.

The President emphasized that Khorezm and Karakalpakstan are two nations united by nature and fate, and the development of tourism in the region will be carried out on the basis of a unified concept and in close interconnection between the two regions. For this purpose, the project of the tourist ring “Khorezm - Karakalpakstan” will be developed, and the highway “Urgench - Gurlen - Mangyt” will be completely reconstructed.

In recent years, a railroad has been brought to the city of Khiva, a new railroad station has been built, and the line “Bukhara - Urgench - Khiva” has been fully electrified. From 2026, modern high-speed trains called “Jaloliddin Manguberdy” will start running along this route. In the future, such trains will also run to Nukus.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President also warmly greeted the foreign guests and expressed respect and good wishes to the partner countries.

- Today, despite the difficult situation in the world, Uzbekistan is firmly following its own path. Our people live in an atmosphere of peace and well-being, friendship and cooperation, in the spirit of creation. All our goals and plans, every reform is aimed at improving people's lives, and we will steadily continue this work. I am certain that together by working hard, my dear, we will transform Khorezm and Karakalpakstan to one of the most beautiful and improved regions in the world, where science and innovation, culture and art are developed, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The ceremony ended with a festive concert.