Uzbekistan

A country in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan beckons travellers with its rich history and unique culture. Situated at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road caravan routes and just a short flight from the UAE, Uzbekistan preserves a legacy of centuries, offering a remarkable journey back in time. Its capital, Tashkent, is a modern metropolis that carefully safeguards its Eastern traditions and historical monuments.

Uzbekistan's greatest treasures are its ancient cities, which are true open-air museums. The majestic madrasas, mosques, and mausoleums of Samarkand, the sacred city of Bukhara, and the fabled Khiva with its Ichan-Kala fortress capture the imagination with their azure architecture and the atmosphere of an Oriental fairytale. One of the country's most recognisable symbols is the magnificent Registan Square in Samarkand, which epitomises the grandeur of Central Asian architecture.

Beyond its man-made wonders, Uzbekistan surprises with its diverse natural landscapes: from the vast expanse of the Kyzylkum Desert to the fertile oases of the Fergana Valley and the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains. The climate is distinctly continental, with hot, dry summers and cool winters, making spring and autumn the ideal seasons to visit. When visiting religious sites, it is recommended to dress modestly, with clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for both men and women. But the most important thing that awaits every guest is the sincere hospitality of the Uzbek people, a distinctive culture, vibrant souqs, and, of course, the unique flavours of its national cuisine, which is predominantly halal.

The national currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (international code: UZS). The banknotes are adorned with images of the country's prominent figures and architectural monuments, reflecting its rich history and culture. Banknotes of various denominations and coins are in circulation. It is recommended to exchange foreign currency for som exclusively at official bank branches or licensed exchange offices, which can be found in airports, hotels, and cities. Avoid exchanging money with private individuals on the street to prevent fraud or unfavourable rates.

Credit and debit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard) are accepted for payment in large hotels, restaurants, and some shops, primarily in Tashkent and other tourist centres. However, for purchases at markets, in smaller shops, and when travelling outside major cities, it is essential to carry a sufficient amount of cash. ATMs are becoming more common, but it is best not to rely on them as your sole source of funds, as they may not always be operational or may have withdrawal limits for foreign cards.

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it's essential to understand the visa requirements. For citizens of the United Arab Emirates holding a UAE passport, a visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days. However, a recent update indicates that visa issuance for UAE citizens may take up to three working days, so it is advisable to confirm the latest regulations before travelling.

For UAE residents who hold passports of other nationalities, it is important to check the specific entry rules for your country of citizenship. Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online through Uzbekistan's official portal, a process that is generally straightforward. Regardless of your visa status, a valid passport is mandatory for entry into Uzbekistan, and its validity must cover the entire duration of your stay. It is also highly recommended to carry copies of your return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a valid medical insurance policy. As visa policies can be updated, you should always verify the most current information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan or with the Uzbek embassy or consulate in the UAE before your departure.

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, you won't need to worry about changing time zones within the country. The entire territory of Uzbekistan observes a single time zone — UTC+5. This means the time in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities will be the same.

For travellers from the UAE, which is on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), this means Uzbekistan is just one hour ahead. The minimal time difference makes it easy to stay in touch with home and adjust upon arrival.

Thanks to the absence of internal time differences, moving between regions in Uzbekistan will not require you to reset your watch or adapt to a new schedule. This makes planning routes and excursions simpler and more convenient.

The most convenient way to travel to Uzbekistan from the UAE is by air. Several airlines offer direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Uzbekistan's key cities, with an average flight time of just over three hours. Major carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia, and Uzbekistan Airways operate regular services, making the country easily accessible for both leisure and business travellers. Flydubai offers routes to Tashkent and Samarkand, while Air Arabia flies to Tashkent from Sharjah.

For those undertaking a broader tour of Central Asia, it is also possible to enter Uzbekistan via land borders from neighbouring countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. International train and bus services connect to several cities across the region. Whichever mode of transport you choose, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, to secure the best fares and availability.

For your reference, here is a summary of the country's main international airports:

Uzbekistan is a country of rich history and profound Islamic heritage, offering travellers a journey into the heart of the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road. It is a destination with something for everyone, from majestic madrassas and mausoleums to modern cities and picturesque natural landscapes.

The heart of the country is undoubtedly its capital, Tashkent. This is a modern metropolis where ancient mosques and madrassas exist in harmony with wide avenues, green parks, and contemporary buildings. The city offers numerous museums, theatres, and vibrant oriental bazaars, the most famous of which is Chorsu, where a wide variety of goods and halal foods can be found. Just as captivating are the ancient jewels of Uzbekistan. The legendary Samarkand, a contemporary of Rome and Babylon, dazzles the imagination with the grandeur of Registan Square and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. The sacred city of Bukhara, with over 140 architectural monuments including the Kalon Minaret and the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, transports travellers into a tale from "A Thousand and One Nights". When visiting these holy sites, guests are encouraged to wear modest attire out of respect for local customs.

A visit to the unique open-air museum city of Khiva is also essential. Its inner city, Ichan-Kala, is surrounded by mighty fortress walls, has preserved its mediaeval appearance, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also of interest to travellers are Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the great leader Amir Timur, with the ruins of his magnificent Ak-Saray Palace, and the cities of the Fergana Valley, such as Kokand and Fergana, which are renowned for their craft traditions. Each of these places possesses a unique charm, ready to share its secrets with curious tourists.

Uzbekistan is a land steeped in rich history and culture, where every stone breathes antiquity. A journey here is an immersion into a world of magnificent madrasahs, vibrant bazaars, and the legendary cities of the Silk Road. As Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority country, it is a very welcoming destination for travellers from the UAE, with halal food widely available and an abundance of mosques. When visiting religious sites, a modest dress code is advised; women should cover their heads, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Let's explore some of the most iconic attractions that should not be missed.

One of the jewels of Uzbekistan is undoubtedly the Registan Square in Samarkand. This is the heart of the ancient city, an ensemble of three monumental madrasahs that capture the imagination with their exquisite Islamic architecture, intricate mosaic patterns, and majestic portals. Registan was once the bustling centre of public life, a place for markets and for the proclamations of emirs' decrees.

No less impressive is the ancient fortress city of Itchan Kala in Khiva. This is a true open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk through the narrow streets of Itchan Kala, surrounded by mighty clay walls, transports you back centuries, allowing you to touch history and see how people lived in a Central Asian oasis.

In Bukhara, you must see the majestic Kalyan Minaret, also known as the "Tower of Death". This 47-metre-high symbol of the city served for centuries not only to call the faithful to prayer but also as a watchtower and a beacon for caravans. Its complex brickwork and history are shrouded in numerous legends; the ominous nickname comes from its use as a place of execution in previous centuries.

To experience authentic local character, head to the Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent. This vast market under its iconic blue domes is not just a place for shopping, but a whole universe of aromas, flavours, and sounds. Here you can find fresh fruits, spices, national sweets, and handicrafts. With the population being predominantly Muslim, the food, from street vendors to restaurants, is overwhelmingly halal.

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, choosing the right time of year is essential to ensure your journey is as comfortable and rewarding as possible. The high season traditionally falls in the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these months, you can expect pleasantly warm weather with plenty of sunny days, perfect for long walks and exploring gems like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The air is fresh, and nature is vibrant with colour. The main advantage of this period is the optimal climate. On the downside, there are more tourists, which can lead to higher prices for accommodation and flights.

The low season in Uzbekistan is during the summer (June–August) and winter (November–March). In summer, especially July and August, much of the country experiences intense heat, with temperatures in desert and southern regions often exceeding +40°C. While this is comparable to summer in the UAE, the dry heat can make daytime excursions quite tiring. Winter in Uzbekistan is relatively mild but can be cold, with temperatures around 0°C and below, particularly at night. Snow is possible in Tashkent and other northern cities. The advantages of a winter trip are minimal tourist crowds and the lowest prices. However, daylight hours are shorter, and some tourist sites may have reduced opening times or be temporarily closed.

When choosing your travel dates, consider the country's cultural events. The vibrant spring festival and New Year celebration, Navruz, is marked nationwide in late March with public festivities and traditional foods like the slow-cooked wheat-based dish, sumalak. From 6 to 8 June 2025, Bukhara hosts the colourful "Silk and Spices" festival. Every two years, usually in late August, Samarkand holds the international music festival "Sharq Taronalari" ("Melodies of the East"). As Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority country, halal food is widely available in restaurants and markets, with dishes like plov, shashlik, and manti being naturally halal. Major cities have numerous mosques with prayer facilities. When visiting mosques and other religious sites, a modest dress code is appreciated; women should cover their shoulders and knees, and head coverings may be required.

Greetings in Uzbekistan can vary: men usually exchange a handshake, but when meeting a woman, it is customary to wait for her to offer her hand first, or to simply give a polite bow with your right hand placed over your heart. Hospitality is a cornerstone of the culture. Guests are welcomed with incredible warmth, and refusing an invitation for tea or a meal may be seen as a sign of disrespect. If you are invited to a home, a small gift, such as sweets or a souvenir (avoid alcohol unless you are certain of your hosts' preferences), will be highly appreciated. Special respect in conversation is always shown to elders.

When visiting Uzbekistan, it is important to be mindful of dress codes, especially when visiting mosques and other religious sites: women are advised to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, while men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Outside of major tourist centres like Tashkent, modest dress is also valued. There are also important traditions at the dining table: bread (lepyoshka "non") is considered sacred—it is never placed upside down, thrown away, or cut with a knife, but is instead broken by hand. If a meal involves eating with your hands, it is customary to use your right hand, a practice that aligns with Islamic tradition. It is also important to gratefully accept and try the food and refreshments you are offered.

The culture of Uzbekistan is vividly expressed in its holidays. One of the most significant is Nowruz, celebrated on 21st March. This ancient festival symbolises the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the beginning of a new year according to the solar calendar, accompanied by public festivities, games, and the preparation of special dishes like sumalak. Religious holidays also play a vital role, namely Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) and Kurban Hayit (Eid al-Adha), which will be familiar to visitors from the UAE. To show respect for local customs, try not to point at people or objects with your index finger (it is better to use an open palm), avoid blowing your nose loudly at the table, and always remove your shoes when entering a home or a mosque.

Uzbekistan offers tourists a diverse range of leisure and entertainment options, combining a rich cultural heritage with modern pleasures. History and culture enthusiasts will find a real treasure here: numerous museums, ancient madrasas, and mosques, many of which are works of art in themselves. When visiting these religious sites, it is important to dress modestly, with clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for both men and women. In major cities like Tashkent, you can visit theatres, enjoy concerts of national music and dance, and discover the works of local artists in galleries. Prayer facilities are also widely accessible throughout the country.

For those who prefer active recreation, Uzbekistan can offer fascinating hiking routes along the picturesque mountain trails of the Chatkal or Nuratau ranges. Although the country is landlocked, the opportunities for active outdoor pursuits are quite varied. Shopping in Uzbekistan is an adventure in itself. Famous oriental bazaars, such as Chorsu in Tashkent, entice with the aromas of spices, the vibrant colours of handmade carpets, silk fabrics, ceramics, and unique souvenirs. Here you can find everything – from traditional clothing to exquisite jewellery.

Evening life in major cities, especially in Tashkent, offers a choice of restaurants with national and international cuisine, where you can spend a pleasant time. As a Muslim-majority country, halal food is the standard and is widely available. A growing number of elegant lounges and social venues also offer entertainment to suit every taste. For a family holiday, Uzbekistan also has interesting options. In the capital and other large cities, there are modern amusement parks, green zones for walks, and attractions that will delight both children and adults. Visiting puppet theatres or workshops on folk crafts can also be a fascinating experience for the whole family.

Planning a trip? That's wonderful! To ensure the financial aspects of your journey don't come as a surprise, it's important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise keeping track of the latest rates both before you fly and throughout your trip. To do this, you can use the data provided below — we monitor exchange rates 24/7 and strive to provide the most up-to-date information.