This week in Tajikistan saw a series of notable developments, from weather disruptions to key political and economic events.
Saykhun city construction delayed
The construction of Saykhun, a planned city in Sughd province, has been delayed due to budget constraints, according to local officials. Rajab Ahmadzoda, head of the Sughd province, stated that the project, which started over a decade ago, has stalled as the regional budget cannot cover the significant financial requirements.
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The city, designed for 250,000 people, was to be built in the Somgor desert, near Khujand, but infrastructure issues, including water supply and electricity, remain unresolved.
Somon Air resumes flights to Dubai
Tajikistan's Somon Air has resumed flights on the Dushanbe-Dubai route, which had been suspended due to regional tensions in the Middle East. The resumption of services is partly to facilitate the return of Tajik citizens from the region.
Tajik imports face price hikes due to Iran disruptions
Tajik businesses importing goods from Iran have warned of potential price increases due to disruptions in supply chains. The ongoing conflict and export restrictions in Iran have led to logistical issues, particularly affecting food products, building materials, and household goods, according to local entrepreneurs.
Dushanbe City Bank overcomes cyberattack
Dushanbe City Bank faced a DDoS cyberattack, temporarily affecting access to its online services. The bank’s IT team responded swiftly, stabilizing the systems by strengthening traffic filtering and protection measures. Services were fully restored after the brief disruption.
Tajikistan moves to self-fund HIV treatment
Tajikistan is transitioning to self-financing antiretroviral treatment for HIV, with the government gradually taking on more of the financial burden previously covered by international donors. Officials noted that over 13,000 people in the country are living with HIV and receiving treatment, and the shift aims to ensure sustainability and uninterrupted drug supply.
Tajikistan's oldest woman turns 122
Basimo Turayeva, the oldest living person in Tajikistan, is set to celebrate her 122nd birthday in May.
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Living with her family in Dushanbe, Turayeva remains in relatively good health, although she has experienced some age-related hearing and memory issues. She was born in 1904 in the Khovalingsky district.
Russia suspends funding for RTSU
Russia has temporarily suspended funding for the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University (RTSU) due to the appointment of a new rector without prior approval from Moscow. Russian officials have clarified that the issue lies with the procedural violation, not the candidate. While salaries for university staff will continue, other financial support has been halted until the rector issue is resolved.
Tajikistan to establish AI Institute
The Tajik government has announced plans to establish an Institute of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, along with the Academy of Tourism and an Institute for Global Economics and Diplomacy. The new institutions will be created under the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan, following decrees signed by President Emomali Rahmon.
Crocus City Hall terror attack verdict
A Moscow court convicted 19 individuals in connection with the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall.
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Fifteen of the accused received life sentences, including the alleged mastermind, while four others were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 19 to 22.5 years for providing logistical support to the terrorists. Separately, a court in Saint Petersburg sentenced a Tajik national to six years for publicly justifying the attack and supporting ISIS.
China to build nine border facilities along the Tajik-Afghan border
China will finance the construction of nine border infrastructure projects along the Tajik-Afghan border, following a bilateral agreement between the two countries. The projects are aimed at strengthening border security and improving infrastructure in Tajikistan’s southern region.
Tajik-Kyrgyz bilateral trade grows, but challenges persist
Trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has grown since the signing of a border agreement in March 2025, but experts note that economic ties remain limited. Despite an increase in trade volume, the full potential for cooperation in sectors such as industry, energy, and agriculture has yet to be realized, and further steps are needed to significantly boost bilateral trade.
Tajik composer celebrates 80th birthday
Tajik composer Tolibkhon Shakhidi marked his 80th birthday with a symphonic concert in Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where his compositions were performed by an orchestra from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, conducted by Valery Gergiev.
