Land granted to investor at preferential rate for 25 years, project estimated at $5 billion
On August 1, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan approved measures for the implementation of the year-round resort Sea Breeze Uzbekistan on the shore of the Charvak Reservoir. The 577-hectare project will be developed with the participation of Agalarov Development, owned by Emin Agalarov — the former son-in-law of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Preferential lease and exclusive rights
The land is being granted directly to the investor for 25 years, with the right to extend the lease and to sublease. While the market value of the lease is estimated at 1.7 trillion Uzbek soums ($133 million), the investor will pay only 17 billion soums ($1.3 million) over five years — at a reduced rate.
The master plan is being developed by the British company Scott Brownrigg, and construction work has already begun. The project includes beaches, hotels, residential complexes, recreational areas, sports facilities, commercial and educational institutions.
Powers of Sea Breeze Uzbekistan
The investor has been granted exclusive rights to:
- approve planning and construction standards;
- carry out construction and project documentation in parallel (until 2029);
- independently set utility tariffs;
- engage contractors and sub-investors;
- allocate land plots according to the master plan.
By the end of August, Sea Breeze Uzbekistan is expected to receive official status as a resident of the “Charvak” tourism and recreation zone, with full access to all associated benefits and privileges.
Environmental risks and requirements
According to the decree, the discharge of waste and sewage into the reservoir or the Chirchiq River is strictly prohibited. Violations may lead to project suspension and revocation of the land lease. The Ministry of Ecology and the Prosecutor General’s Office will oversee strict environmental monitoring.
An inventory of trees will be conducted, with replanting or compensatory planting (ten saplings per tree cut) required. Some areas are off-limits to construction due to environmental protection status.
Public reaction and Ministry of Ecology’s stance
On July 23, Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov stated that the project had not been approved and that the ministry had received no official documentation. He promised that once received, the project would be subject to public discussion. However, just days later, on August 1, the government officially authorized the project. New environmental review requirements will only take effect on August 25.
Earlier, Agalarov Development organized a press tour to Baku for Uzbek journalists. In an interview, Emin Agalarov said:
“Charvak is in danger today. Water quality is deteriorating… I spoke with your minister of ecology: nothing can be controlled or coordinated.”
Financing and obligations
To compensate local landowners, the investor will allocate $5 million to the local budget. Additionally, all tenants and subtenants will be required to pay an infrastructure fee — $50 per square meter.
In case of delays or breaches of lease conditions, contracts may be canceled without compensation.
By 2026, the government is expected to attract international loans and private investment for the construction of roads, bridges, water supply and communication systems as part of the project.
Who is behind the project
Sea Breeze Uzbekistan was established with the participation of Agalarov Development, owned by Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov — the former son-in-law of President Ilham Aliyev. Agalarov personally presented the project to the president of Uzbekistan in December 2024.
Who is Emin Agalarov
Emin Agalarov is a businessman and singer, president of Agalarov Development. He was born in Baku in 1979 and is the son of one of Russia’s most influential entrepreneurs — billionaire Aras Agalarov, owner of the Crocus Group, which has long cooperated with both Russian and Azerbaijani authorities. Emin was educated in the U.S. and Switzerland, and in 2006 married Leyla Aliyeva, daughter of Ilham Aliyev, the current president of Azerbaijan. Though the marriage ended in 2015, his close ties to Azerbaijan’s leadership and access to international business continue to be key elements of Agalarov’s influence in the region.
The full text of Cabinet Resolution No. 490 dated August 1, 2025, is attached below in PDF format.
Grokipedia in the article Emin (singer) referred to our material.