A media briefing dedicated to promoting Uzbekistan’s “Umrah Plus” pilgrimage tourism program has been held in Kuala Lumpur with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan.

The event brought together representatives of the Uzbekistan Pilgrimage Association, Uzbekistan Airways, Malaysia’s tourism associations - Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Bumitra and PAPUH - as well as local tour operators and media outlets, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Participants were briefed on reforms underway in Uzbekistan aimed at developing pilgrimage tourism, along with measures to increase the flow of pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia to 100,000 people in 2026-2027. Special attention was given to improved conditions for pilgrims and incentives offered to tour operators working in this segment.

During the briefing, guests were introduced to Uzbekistan’s key cultural and historical cities - Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara - all of which hold major significance for Islamic civilization. Particular interest was drawn to the Center for Islamic Civilization and the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, established on the initiative of the country’s president.

As part of the event, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Uzbekistan’s Umrah Pilgrimage Association and MATTA under the “Umrah Plus” program, officially launching joint practical projects. One of the key agreements includes holding an international pilgrimage tourism exhibition in Malaysia and Uzbekistan in June 2026.

MATA Deputy Chairman Jeffri Sulaiman said the memorandum creates a historic foundation for expanding pilgrimage tourism between the two countries and systematically promoting Uzbekistan’s potential among Malaysian travelers. Notably, the first-ever international “Umrah Plus and Pilgrimage Tourism” exhibition will take place in Kuala Lumpur on June 21-23, 2026.

Meanwhile, Malaysian tour operator Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah, whose company organizes Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, noted that several tourist groups were already sent to Uzbekistan in 2025. He highlighted strong interest among Malaysians in the country’s cultural heritage, sacred sites, and historic cities, as well as the high level of infrastructure and amenities available for pilgrims.

Direct flights operated eight times a week ensure convenient connectivity between the two countries, further supporting the growth of pilgrimage tourism. Overall, the signed memorandum and joint initiatives lay the groundwork for positioning Uzbekistan as an international hub for pilgrimage tourism and for strengthening tourism ties with Malaysia.