Khiva, May 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: A grand opening ceremony was held in the ancient city of Khiva to inaugurate the “Arda Khiva” International Tourist Center, a landmark development in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. The event was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, senior officials, international guests, and regional stakeholders.
In his keynote address, President Mirziyoyev highlighted Khorezm’s exceptional historical and cultural legacy, as well as its growing significance as a global tourism destination.
“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.
He praised the region’s wealth of cultural heritage, including the Ichan Kala architectural ensemble—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and more than 260 other monuments, each reflecting the deep historical roots of not just Uzbekistan, but the wider Central Asian region. President Mirziyoyev emphasized that tourism, grounded in this heritage, has been identified as a national strategic priority.
The newly opened “Arda Khiva” complex stands as a prime example of this vision. Designed to blend tradition with modern infrastructure, the center spans a vast area featuring 17 hotels and guesthouses, 9 restaurants, indoor and outdoor water parks, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, 5 cinemas and concert halls, exhibition pavilions, a network of 70 retail outlets, 300 market stalls, 11 artisan workshops, an oriental bazaar, a jewelry center, fountains, and a scenic riverside promenade.
The President noted that the new complex is expected to attract an additional one million tourists annually, increase service volumes by 1.2 trillion UZS, and create at least 2,000 new jobs.
“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 Mirziyoyev stated. “I express my sincere gratitude to the entrepreneurs and investors, builders and specialists, and everyone who made a worthy contribution to this noble endeavor.”
During the ceremony, President Mirziyoyev announced the expansion of Khiva city to incorporate 2,400 hectares of land from the Khiva district, where a new mega-tourism complex titled Sahro Yulduzi (“Star of the Desert”) will be constructed. The future complex will include hotels, entertainment hubs, themed streets for cuisine and shopping, museums, eco-housing, summer camps, and zones for extreme tourism.
Additionally, 5,000 hectares in Tuprakkala district will be allocated for the development of safari and hunting tourism. A $50 million investment project will see the creation of 80 new service and entertainment facilities along the Gazavat, Palvan, and Shavat canals in Urgench, Shavat, Koshkupir, Khiva, and Khazorasp districts. Tourist villages will also be developed in Bagat, Gurlan, Yangibazar, and Urgench, further diversifying the region’s tourism offerings.
In a notable cultural initiative, a 2-hectare open-air “Great Thinkers” smart museum will be built in front of the Mamun Academy. The interactive museum, presented in multiple languages, will showcase the life and legacy of Khorezm’s most celebrated scholars and visionaries.
Underscoring the importance of regional integration, President Mirziyoyev stressed the shared history and destiny of Khorezm and Karakalpakstan. A unified tourism development strategy will guide future projects, including the creation of a “Khorezm – Karakalpakstan” tourism ring and the complete reconstruction of the Urgench – Gurlan – Mangit highway.
Infrastructure developments were also highlighted. In recent years, Khiva has been connected to the national railway network, including the electrification of the Bukhara – Urgench – Khiva line. By 2026, high-speed Jaloliddin Manguberdi trains will begin operations along this route, with future plans to extend service to Nukus.
In his closing remarks, President Mirziyoyev extended a warm welcome to foreign guests and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to peace, progress, and international cooperation.
“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,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a grand festive concert celebrating the rich cultural heritage and promising future of Khorezm.
