Abu Dhabi is now connected to one of the Silk Road network’s most famous destinations.
Since 13 December, Hungary-based Wizz Air, through its United Arab Emirates hub, has been flying its Airbus A321Neo aircraft to Samarkand, Uzbekistan every Tuesday and Saturday; starting on 1 January 2023, this route will go to three days a week, adding Thursday. The lowest fares start at around $48; however, WIZZ Flex tickets all for cancellations up to three hours before the flight, with 100% of the fare able to be reused as travel credit.
Wizz Air now flies non-stop from Abu Dhabi to 36 destinations across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Egypt. Samarkand will be their first Uzbek airport, followed by Tashkent, the capital, this coming January.
However, this isn’t Samarkand’s first connection to the United Arab Emirates. Flydubai has been plying the route twice weekly since 20 September of this year, out of Dubai DXB.
I visited Samarkand in May 2018, having been particularly fascinated by Silk Road history, as well as the ornate designs that embellished the façades of Central Asian mosques and madrassahs, or (religious) educational institutions. The Registan (in the above photo), meaning place of sand in Uzbek, is one of the most famous points of interest in the country. Originally a public square where regal proclamations and public executions were held, it came to be bordered on three sides by three different madrassahs, one built in the 1400s, and then other two in the 1600s.
Since July 2018 — great timing, right? — Uzbekistan has been making it easier for some nationalities to visit as tourists, having implemented an e-visa system.
Have you visited, or do you plan to visit Uzbekistan?
the madrassahs look pretty neato. I reckon I’ll visit uzbekistan at some point.
Nice place for sure! Thanks for stopping by, Chevy
your artical very nice.thanx