Uzbekistan and Malaysia Strengthen Pilgrimage Tourism Cooperation under the “Umra +” Program

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Kuala Lumpur, with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, a media briefing was held to promote the “Umra +” pilgrimage tourism program, according to Dunyo news agancy.

The event was attended by representatives of the Uzbekistan Pilgrimage Association, Uzbekistan Airways, Malaysian tourism associations MATA, Bumitra, and PAPUH, as well as local travel companies and media.

Participants received detailed information on the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan to develop pilgrimage tourism and on measures aimed at increasing the flow of pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia to 100,000 people in 2026–2027. Special attention was given to conditions for pilgrims and incentives for tour operators working in this segment.

During the briefing, guests were introduced to Uzbekistan’s culturally and historically significant cities — Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara — which hold importance for Islamic civilization. Particular interest was shown in the Islamic Civilization Center and the Imam al-Bukhari complex, created on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Uzbekistan Umra Pilgrimage Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour Operators (MATA) under the “Umra +” program, marking the start of joint practical projects. One key agreement is the organization of an international pilgrimage tourism exhibition in Malaysia and Uzbekistan in June 2026.

MATA Deputy Chairman Jeffrey Suleiman emphasized that the memorandum establishes a historic foundation for expanding pilgrimage tourism between the countries and systematically promoting Uzbekistan’s potential among Malaysian tourists.

For the first time, the international exhibition “Umra + and Pilgrimage Tourism” will take place in Kuala Lumpur from 21–23 June 2026.

The head of a Malaysian tourism company sending pilgrims to Hajj and Umra, Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah, noted that in 2025 his company had already sent several groups to Uzbekistan. He highlighted the strong interest of Malaysians in the country’s historical and cultural heritage, sacred sites, and historic cities, as well as the high level of infrastructure and amenities provided for pilgrims.

Direct flights, operated eight times per week, ensure convenient connectivity between the two countries, further supporting the growth of pilgrimage tourism.

The signed memorandum and joint initiatives lay the groundwork for actively promoting Uzbekistan as an international center for pilgrimage tourism and strengthening tourist ties with Malaysia.