Thursday, July 10, 2025
Bahraini Tourism Minister Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi recently received Chairman of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, along with his visiting delegation who were on an official visit to Bahrain. It was one of the milestones towards realizing bilateral cooperation in tourism between Bahrain and Uzbekistan, which sought to present joint tourism activities and shared cultural experiences.
He received the delegation and emphasized Bahrain’s keenness to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan, and in particular, tourism. Al Sairafi noted the continued and progressive development of cooperation between both countries, which also reflects their shared interest in developing potential cooperation areas that would benefit both countries’ tourism industries.
During their meeting, Minister Al Sairafi highlighted maximizing both countries’ tourism resources and developed infrastructures to ensure the sustainability and growth of tourism activities. She highlighted that Bahrain’s growing tourism sector, supported by existing infrastructures, carries tremendous potential for joint activities and initiatives that are mutually rewarding to both countries.
“The tourism sector is one of Bahrain’s main economic contributors, and we are interested in forging long-term partnerships with countries like Uzbekistan. Our tourism resources and values are a good starting point for future cooperation,” Al Sairafi said.
She also highlighted that displaying rich civilization and cultural heritage of both countries, believing that such unique attributes have much potential in enriching visitors’ experiences and stimulating development of travel industry. Both countries collectively managed to create their travel products more competitive on the world stage.
Shadiev, who led the Uzbek delegation, reiterated their interest in developing tourism cooperation through joint initiatives, projects, and reciprocal tourism marketing. Shadiev also stressed keen interest in developing further on shared values between Bahrain and Uzbekistan, indicating that cooperation between them will facilitate both Bahrain and Uzbekistan to strengthen their position among key players in world tourism.
While there, the delegation of Uzbekistan got to experience Bahrain’s UNESCO World Heritage designated Pearling Path, one of Bahrain’s most valued cultural attractions. Bahrain’s Pearling Path, which has long been known for its high cultural significance and role in Bahrain’s history of pearling, complements Bahrain’s diverse range of cultural tourism.
They were also briefed on Bahrain’s current plans for sustaining its history and integrating this history as part of a broader, more experiential proposition for tourism. They were also explained in full detail how Bahrain had succeeded in sustaining the Pearling Path’s history and cultural heritage, but create a contemporary-day attraction that has relevance for tourists globally.
It demonstrated best practice in the preservation and display of cultural heritage as part of enriching tourists’ experiences, and showcasing sustainable tourism projects that yield economic benefits. Bahrain long recognized the potential of its history and culture in building its tourism sector, and the Pearling Path stands as one exemplary preservation and promotion of cultural assets in a manner that attracts foreign tourists.
Minister Al Sairafi also noted tourism’s broader contribution to Bahrain’s economic growth, which continues to rely on economic diversification and becoming a foremost regional tourism center. “Tourism is part of our economic diversification strategy, and we are keen to develop Bahrain’s tourism product to attract more international visitors,” she clarified.
Both Uzbekistan and Bahrain possess great cultural heritages that are rich in potential for tourism development. Bahrain’s history, modern infrastructures, and cultural variety constitute a strong foundation for tourism development, and Uzbekistan, based on its World Heritage sites and Silk Road cities of antiquity, also increasingly figured in international travelers’ itineraries.
Both Bahrain’s and Uzbekistan’s desire to develop cooperation in tourism comes at a timely when both nations are looking to rebuild and develop their tourism sector following the pandemic.
Bahrain has also been investing significantly in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and services to enhance visitors’ experiences and make Bahrain attractive to overseas visitors.
Shadiev’s visit to Bahrain comes during Uzbekistan’s broader effort to develop its potential for tourism, and the government’s objective of enticing more foreigners and international cooperation. Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, which abounds in ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, is becoming increasingly appealing to tourists who seek unique cultural experiences, and Bahrain’s cooperation with Uzbekistan constitutes a wonderful prospect for tapping this nascent market.
After their consultations, both sides were optimistic about their future cooperation and were determined to seek further avenues of potential collaboration in tourism development, including public promotion campaigns, collaborative tourism events, and knowledge sharing. As both nations continue to grow their tourism industries, they are committed to ensuring that tourism becomes a viable economic engine for their respective countries.
Visit constitutes one of the most significant moments in deepening Bahrain-Uzbekistan tourism cooperation. Through cooperation, both nations are able to actualize their tourism potential, presenting travelers with new and unique experiences that embody rich national cultural heritages of both nations.
Key Highlights:
Bahraini Tourism Minister, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, talks to Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev.
Bahrain’s willingness to enhance tourism cooperation with Uzbekistan emphasized, based on mutual resources and sustainable tourism development.
Uzbek delegation tours UNESCO-listed Pearling Path in Bahrain, learning about Bahrain’s initiatives to conserve culture and merge tourism.
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Bahrain in tourism is one that increasingly keenly recognizes the need for intercultural understanding and for the potential of both states to collaborate in promoting tourism’s role in economic development and international understanding. As the international context of tourism evolves further, agreements of this sort have much potential for their own future.
