KUALA LUMPUR, January 21. /Dunyo IA/. The leading Malaysian news agency “Bernama” has published an article on the Uzbek government’s initiative to attract tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia under the “Umrah Plus” program, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that the Uzbek government will provide a subsidy of USD 100 per tourist from Malaysia and Indonesia to local tour operators, as part of efforts to attract pilgrims under the “Umrah Plus” program. The Central Asian country plans to host 100,000 tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia in 2026-2027, agency adds.

According to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuala Lumpur, the “Umrah Plus” program provides for tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia to spend several days in Uzbekistan before continuing their journey to perform “Umrah” in Saudi Arabia.

The publication emphasizes the enormous potential to expand tourism ties, which is expected to bring economic benefits and promote cultural exchange between the countries. Both nations are united by the Islamic world and shared Islamic cultural heritage.

The article also informs readers that direct flights are currently operated eight times a week by “Uzbekistan Airways”, “Batik Air” and “AirAsia” on the routes “Kuala Lumpur - Tashkent - Kuala Lumpur” and “Langkawi Island - Tashkent - Langkawi Island”. Citizens of both countries enjoy a visa-free regime of up to 30 days.

In conclusion, “Bernama” notes that in recent years, Uzbekistan has made significant efforts to create a comprehensive tourism ecosystem for visitors from Muslim countries, including new prayer facilities and mosques, halal hotels and restaurants.