☀️ Summer Break, Uzbekistan Qualify, J Lo Tickets, Opera Week & More..

Tashkent Insider Summer Break

At this time of year, many readers will be leaving Uzbekistan—some temporarily to see relatives back home, to explore other parts of the world, or just to avoid chillya.

Others are leaving permanently, moving to other countries, starting new jobs, studying, or even retiring! Good luck to all who are leaving Uzbekistan. We wish you the best for the next chapter of your life.

As for myself, I'll be taking a break from Tashkent Insider to focus on other projects in the UK. I aim to restart the weekly emails in August.

Uzbekistan Qualifies for the World Cup!

History was made last week as Uzbekistan secured a place at the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever, following a tense away draw against the UAE.

They finished their qualifying campaign last night with a 3-0 thrashing of Qatar and in all my time in Uzbekistan, I’ve never seen such excitement!

The achievement has sparked a national celebration: President Mirziyoyev awarded state honours to the team, coaches, and football association staff for their professionalism, resilience, and contribution to promoting a healthy lifestyle and sports culture in Uzbekistan.

New technical director, Belgian Guy Kiala has been credited with assisting the team in reform and a shift in mentality. “We go out on every pitch only to win,” he told The Athletic, saying the biggest hurdle had been overcoming a belief that Uzbekistan couldn’t compete at the top level. That mindset is now history.

Maybe next year’s biggest football match in Tashkent won’t be El Clasico after all.

Jennifer Lopez Tickets on Sale

Regular Tashkent Insider readers will know that Jennifer Lopez is set to perform in Uzbekistan for the first time ever, and tickets are now officially on sale.

She’ll be live at the 34,000-seat Milliy Stadium on 7 August as part of her Up All Night – LIVE IN 2025 world tour.

Tickets are available here. Note that they’re non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and QR codes will only activate 24 hours before the event. Prices range from 1,040,000 to 4,100,000 UZS, although the cheapest seats seem to have already sold out.
📍Milliy Stadium, Tashkent
📅Thu 7 Aug 2025
⏰19:00 – 22:00
💵1,040,000–4,100,000 UZS

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🎭 Verdi Opera Week at Alisher Navoi Theatre

Opera lovers are in for a treat this week as the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, hosts Verdi Week from 10 to 18 June.

The programme features four of the maestro’s most celebrated works:
🎭 A Masquerade Ball – 10 June
🍷 La Traviata – 12 June
🔥 Il Trovatore – 14 June
🎪 Rigoletto – 18 June

All performances begin at 18:00. Expect a rich mix of passion, drama, and timeless music from one of opera’s greatest composers.

📍Alisher Navoi Theatre
📅 10–18 June
⏰ 18:00
💵 Tickets from 44,000 (available at the box office or on itickets.uz)

⛰️ Zaamin Ultra Marathon

Runners and adventure seekers, take note: the Zaamin Ultra Marathon is set for 14–15 June in Zaamin National Park, offering high-altitude trail running and festival energy in one of Uzbekistan’s most scenic spots.

Participants can choose from a range of distances, from the full 50 km ultramarathon with a 1,535 m elevation gain to more accessible 2 km and 5 km trails. There’s something for all levels, including a new children’s race on 14 June.

Beyond the run, expect a tent city with panoramic views, hot air balloon rides, and a late-night electronic music concert on a mountain plateau.

📍 Zaamin National Park, Jizzakh Region
📅 14–15 June
⏰ Varies by race
💵 Tickets

In the News this Week…

• Population density nearly doubles since 1991
  Uzbekistan’s average population density has risen to 83.6 people per square kilometre, up from 46.1 in 1991, according to new data from the National Statistics Committee.

• Thunderstorms possible in Tashkent this week
  Uzgidromet forecasts short-term rain and thunderstorms on 12–13 June, with daytime temperatures expected to stay around 33–35°C.

• Slovak Prime Minister welcomed in Tashkent
  Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived for an official visit, receiving a ceremonial welcome from President Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy residence.

• Uzbekistan hosts first IUCN Red List training
  Uzbekistan held its first national training on the IUCN Red List, which tracks species at risk of extinction. The session aimed to build local expertise in assessing threatened wildlife and guiding conservation efforts across the country.

Partnered with Tashkent Tavern

Leaving Tashkent this summer??

As many of Tashkent’s expat community will be leaving Uzbekistan this summer, Nick from Tashkent Tavern is hoping to help out local orphanages with money raised from selling leavers’ unwanted goods. Here are the details:

Tashkent Tavern Instagram