Kazakhstan

Voices from Central Asia

Launched from Baikonur to stardom

In partnership with MDQ

Aigerim Altynbek, a girl from a small village in Kazakhstan, conquers competitions to live her dream on the most prestigious European opera stage.

10/06/2026

Business

Trump envoy tells Tokayev he has a ‘friend in the White House’ amid US minerals push

The United States and Central Asian countries are seeking to advance investment projects in critical minerals as Washington looks to diversify supply chains for materials considered essential to national security and reduce dependence on China, which dominates much of the global market.

10/06/2026

No Comment

Hot air balloons fill Kazakhstan skies as festival returns

One of Kazakhstan's largest ballooning festivals returned to the Almaty region after a two-year break, bringing together 29 hot air balloons and pilots from 12 countries.

09/06/2026

Kazakhstan

AI to enter Kazakh schools from 2026 in push for digital transformation

Kazakhstan plans to roll out AI-powered education tools in 500 schools by 2027 as part of a broader effort to personalise learning, strengthen digital skills and build a future-ready workforce.

06/06/2026

Business

Hong Kong wants to be a bridge between China and Central Asia

High-level Hong Kong delegation visited Kazakhstan and offered new partnership in several economy sectors including professional services for companies attempting to enter respective markets.

04/06/2026

Europe News

Cyprus and Kazakhstan expand cooperation during Astana visit

Five cooperation agreements were signed during the first visit by a Cypriot president to Kazakhstan. The talks focused on trade, investment, transport and digital development, while new direct flights and diplomatic initiatives aim to strengthen links between Europe and Central Asia.

04/06/2026

Modern Nomads

Remembering victims of political repression and famine in Kazakhstan

In partnership with MDQ

Every year on 31 May, Kazakhstan commemorates the millions who perished during the Soviet-era famine and political repression.

03/06/2026

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan open to hosting Iran's uranium if nuclear deal is reached

Kazakhstan has offered to store Iran’s near-weapons-grade uranium to break the deadlock in US–Iran talks, as IAEA chief Grossi backed the neutral plan.

02/06/2026

Kazakhstan

Almaty to the skies: Kazakhstan tests Central Asia's first air taxi

Central Asia's first air taxi test flight has taken place in Kazakhstan, as authorities and private partners work to develop a new urban air mobility network. Commercial trial operations are expected by early 2029, subject to certification and regulatory approval.

02/06/2026

Business

Kazakhstan targets €45bn in non-commodity exports as global export ins

Kazakhstan plans to increase non-commodity exports by more than a quarter to nearly €45 billion by 2030, as global export credit agencies and investment insurers expand their presence in the country to back major infrastructure and industrial projects.

01/06/2026

Earth News

Amur tigers released into the wild in Kazakhstan to help restore the extinct Turan species

Vladimir Putin has gifted four Amur tigers to Kazakhstan during his state visit. The initiative is aimed at restoring an apex predator that disappeared from Central Asian region more than 70 years ago.

31/05/2026

Business

Trade turnover in Eurasian Economic Union exceeds €80 billion in 2025

EAEU leaders gathered in Astana for a two-day summit to discuss AI integration, shared digital markets and trade corridors as the bloc marks its 12th year with turnover forecast to further exceed the record set in 2025.

29/05/2026

East-West Connect

How AI is reshaping government services

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan is advancing large-scale digitalisation and AI integration across government services in a bid to transform the economy and boost its GDP.

28/05/2026

Water

What is cloud seeding and does it work during droughts?

Experts from the United Arab Emirates are sharing their experience with Central Asian authorities.

27/05/2026

Kazakhstan

Tokyo governor urges capitals to share best practices on Astana visit

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike discussed hydrogen energy, AI cooperation and urban resilience during visits to the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.

25/05/2026

Focus

One Turkic Vision: AI, connectivity and a tech-driven future

In partnership with MDQ

Held in the historic city of Turkistan, the informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States focused on building a shared digital future across the Turkic world.

22/05/2026

Modern Nomads

Where mountains, art and urban life meet

In partnership with MDQ

From mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints to contemporary art and striking architecture, Almaty reveals itself through layers of culture, history and urban identity.

20/05/2026

Kazakhstan

Turkic leaders unite towards 'influential geopolitical power centre'

Turkic states' leaders have joined forces to advance digital and AI expansion projects in conjunction with their regional push for trade, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and regional connectivity developments to address the world's urgent "critical issues".

17/05/2026

Kazakhstan

Erdoğan visits Astana as Turkey and Central Asia deepen ties

Turkey and Kazakhstan signed a friendship and strategic partnership declaration in Astana, targeting €13 billion in trade.

14/05/2026

No Comment

Kazakhstan launches driverless Light Rail Transit system after 10 years of delays

After a decade of construction delays, Astana has launched its Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, featuring driverless overground trains serving 18 stations across the city.

12/05/2026

Culture news

Rare Caucasian horse breed gains renewed attention in Germany

Rare Karabakh horses, prized for their golden coats and stamina, are preserved through joint Azerbaijani and German conservation efforts, safeguarding a centuries-old equestrian heritage.

12/05/2026

Sport

Astana ends on a high with a heavyweight finale

The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 ended in style as the heavyweights closed the show in Astana. Boris Rutovic, Anna Monta Olek, Marat Baikamurov, Elis Startseva and Inal Tasoev took gold, while Kazakhstan finished strongly with four medals and third in the table.

10/05/2026

Sport

Kazakhstan strikes gold on day 2 in Astana

Day 2 of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 brought gold for the home crowd as Zhalgas Kairolla thrilled Astana. Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo, Danil Lavrentev and Clémence Eme also topped the podium, while Kazakhstan celebrated gold and bronze.

09/05/2026

Sport

Judo: Strong start for the hosts in Astana

The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam opened in style in Astana, with packed stands and top-level judo. Sukhbat Byambasuren, Amber Gersjes, Blandine Pont, Abdurakhim Nutfulloev and Faiza Mokdar all took gold, while Kazakhstan celebrated two medals on day one.

08/05/2026

Voices from Central Asia

How a Kazakh duo is modernising a traditional instrument

In partnership with MDQ

The “Temirlan & Yernat” duo is bringing the Kazakh traditional instrument, the dombra, to global audiences, proving this ancient instrument can thrive far beyond the steppe.

06/05/2026

Space

Russia launches new Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur in first test flight

On Thursday, April 30, at 23:00 local time (Astana), the Baikonur Cosmodrome witnessed the first test launch of the Soyuz-5/Sunkar vehicle. The rocket lifted off from Site 45 as part of flight development tests, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of AI and Digital Development.

01/05/2026