Investors from the UAE proposed to open a casino in Muynak, Karakalpakstan. The Uzbek Prosecutor General Office confirmed it is closely considering the issue along with other relevant bodies, a government source told The Tashkent Times.
The source added there are also plans to build an international airport, cinemas and introduce a Smart City.
The Jan. 16 resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers called for proposals for the construction of a safari road, holding Rally Muynak, international gastronomic festivals, creating an alley of artisans, and boosting medical and pilgrim tourism.
Gambling and other risk-taking games, including betting games have been outlawed in Uzbekistan since 2007 by a Cabinet resolution.
Muynak is formerly a sea port in western Uzbekistan, now home to only a few thousand residents at most. Its population has been declining precipitously due to the recession of the Aral Sea.