Shodiyev, who served at UNESCO for 5 years after replacing Lola Karimova, appointed ambassador

Umid Rustamovich Shodiyev, who replaced Lola Karimova-Tillyayeva — the youngest daughter of Uzbekistan’s First President Islam Karimov — after she stepped down as Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, and who served in that post until 2023, has now been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates. His candidacy was reviewed at the 14th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and approved by senators.

Senators emphasized that the nominee possesses deep knowledge and practical skills in the field of foreign policy, as well as the ability to effectively advance the country’s national interests in the international arena.

For reference, Umid Shodiyev served as Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to UNESCO from 2018 to 2023. On July 27, 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change. On December 24, 2025, he was relieved of that post due to a transfer to another position. He was succeeded as Chairman of the Tourism Committee by Abdulaziz O‘rolboyevich Oqqulov.