Kazakhstan

Destinations

Don't miss these must-see sights on your next trip to Astana

Whether you’re a tourist visiting Astana for a few days or an expat who wants to learn more about the city, you’ll love these essential attractions in Kazakhstan’s capital city.

27/05/2025

Kazakhstan

Is Afghanistan's future canal the final nail in Aral Sea's coffin?

Afghanistan is building a 285-kilometre waterway at an accelerated pace to irrigate its drought-ridden northern regions. Central Asian states maintain that decisions regarding transboundary water use should be made collectively.

27/05/2025

Modern Nomads

Kazakhstan’s musicals bring national stories to the modern stage

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan’s musical theatre is rising again. Rooted in tradition and reimagined for today, the genre is connecting generations — and taking local stories to new audiences at home and abroad.

21/05/2025

East-West Connect

Kazakhstan boosts SME sector to draw EU investment

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan is stepping up support for small and medium-sized businesses. With more financing, reforms, and trade incentives, the goal is to grow its SME base and attract more European investment.

20/05/2025

Modern Nomads

How the Kazakh Tazy sighthound became a national icon

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we meet the Kazakh Tazy — a sighthound now gaining international recognition as a distinct and culturally significant breed.

14/05/2025

Sport

Judo Grand Slam 2025: Golden Finale in Astana

The final day of the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam delivered thrilling heavyweight action and first-time champions. Japan, Korea, and Kazakhstan all shone in a celebration of skill, strength, and sportsmanship. Next stop: the World Judo Championships in Budapest!

11/05/2025

Sport

Judo Grand Slam: Gold Rush for Four Nations on Day 2 in Astana

Day 2 of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam saw Switzerland, France, Italy, and Korea claim gold. Stellar performances, local support, and top-tier judo lit up Astana as the middleweights delivered a thrilling showcase.

10/05/2025

Sport

Home Heroes Shine Bright on Day 1 of Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam

A spectacular opening day in Astana saw thrilling judo and multiple medals for Team Kazakhstan. Golds went to Hui, Saaev, Ballhaus, Abdulayev, and Mokdar, with local fans creating an electric atmosphere.

09/05/2025

Focus

Kazakhstan marks 30 years of unity with Assembly anniversary

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Focus, we attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan — a key institution that has united the country’s diverse ethnic communities.

09/05/2025

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan to regain legendary 'Gagarin's start' space launch site

The transfer of "Gagarin's Start", the launchpad for the world's first spaceflight, will be finalised by June.

09/05/2025

No Comment

Astana hosts major military parade for WWII 80th anniversary

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev led commemorations marking 80 years since the end of World War II with a major military parade in Astana on Wednesday.

08/05/2025

Voices from Central Asia

From dream to cockpit: how Temirlan Zhunussov became a pilot

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices from Central Asia, we meet Temirlan Zhunussov, a First Officer at Air Astana, whose passion for flying took off long before he ever set foot on a plane.

07/05/2025

Kazakhstan

Who will dominate Central Asia's transport routes?

With Europe searching for trade routes that bypass Russia, eyes have turned to the region.

30/04/2025

Modern Nomads

Kazakh cuisine: Nomad tradition meets modern cuisine

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we explore Kazakh cuisine—how ancient dairy-based traditions evolved into hearty meat dishes and modern fusion meals shaped by history, customs and innovation.

30/04/2025

Focus

Central Asian nations take steps toward a unified media voice

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Focus, we report from Astana, where media policymakers from across Central Asia gathered to strengthen regional cooperation and tackle global challenges facing the industry.

24/04/2025

East-West Connect

European investors are flocking to Kazakhstan — Here’s why

In partnership with MDQ

Foreign investment in Central Asia is surging as European companies seek alternatives to Russia. Kazakhstan leads the region, attracting billions, but where is the money coming from—and how is it shaping the economy?

23/04/2025

Kazakhstan

Journalism and deepfakes: Insights from the Central Asian Media Forum

How can media houses deliver trustworthy news in the age of fake news and deepfakes? Government and industry experts gathered at the Central Asian Media Forum in Astana to discuss how AI is changing the media sphere.

18/04/2025

Modern Nomads

Kazakh opera blends tradition and modernity for global audiences

In partnership with MDQ

From iconic love stories to epic legends, Kazakh opera is finding a global stage. In this episode, we explore how this distinctive art form blends national identity with classical style.

16/04/2025

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan finds rare earths reserve said to be world's third-largest

A significant rare earth elements deposit has been found in Kazakhstan's Karagandy, with potential reserves of 20 million tonnes. Further exploration is required.

10/04/2025

Voices from Central Asia

David Degtyarev: How Kazakhstan’s para powerlifting champion is inspiring a generation

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices from Central Asia, we travel to Kazakhstan to meet David Degtyarev, a para-powerlifter who has become a two-time Paralympic champion.

09/04/2025

No Comment

US-Russian crew lifts off to ISS for 8-month mission

Two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut launched on Tuesday aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for an eight-month research mission at the International Space Station.

08/04/2025

Space

US astronaut and Russian crewmates dock at International Space Station

US astronaut Jonny Kim and two Russian crewmates took off from the Russia-leased Baikonur facility in Kazakhstan in a Russian Soyuz rocket.

08/04/2025

Modern Nomads

Global nomads flock to the Kazakh steppe for Nauryz

In partnership with MDQ

Digital nomads and travellers welcome spring on the Kazakh steppe in Nauryz - where ancestral flames, sheephead feasts and knucklebones games kick off a 10-day nomad festival.

02/04/2025

East-West Connect

Kazakhstan's Astana hub fuels tech start-ups and export boom

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of East-West Connect, we explore Kazakhstan's tech boom at the Astana hub, highlighting AI startups like Arlan Biotech and Autism Spectrum that are driving innovation.

26/03/2025

Europe News

EU-Central Asia cooperation expands in age of uncertainty

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Central Asian countries to advance the Global Gateway investment strategy.

25/03/2025

Modern Nomads

How Kazakh Jewellers are giving tradition a modern polish

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we dive deep into the world of Kazakh jewellery, uncovering its hidden gems. We explore how contemporary jewellers strike a brilliant balance between traditional ornaments and modern fashion trends, transforming their artistry into a thriving business.

19/03/2025