Kazakhstan

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

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

Earth News

Ecological summits ends with a show of ‘Central Asian solidarity’

Water scarcity, desertification and biodiversity loss were among the issues tackled at the Regional Ecological Summit.

01/05/2026

No Comment

Thousands join Run for Autism race in Astana to support inclusion

Around 5,000 people took part in the Run for Autism charity race in Astana, supporting inclusion initiatives for children with autism and developmental disabilities.

30/04/2026

Focus

Ecological summit secures €2 billion for green transition

In partnership with MDQ

The Regional Ecological Summit in Kazakhstan’s Astana brought Central Asian states together to align positions on environmental issues ahead of international negotiations.

30/04/2026

Modern Nomads

Beyond meetings: a city where business meets leisure

In partnership with MDQ

In Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, business and leisure go hand in hand, offering visitors a chance to balance packed schedules with moments of culture, nature, and relaxation.

29/04/2026

Earth News

Central Asian countries collaborate to push green energy transition

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are set to launch a joint hydropower plant with a capacity of nearly 2,000 MW.

25/04/2026

Culture news

Francophonie Spring flexes its soft power across Central Asia

A two-week festival across seven cities showcased French language and culture, reflecting growing interest in Francophone education and exchange in Kazakhstan.

23/04/2026

Earth News

Central Asia bets on ‘ecological solidarity’ as water crisis deepens

Beyond political signalling, the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana delivered tangible commitments. A total of 17 agreements worth over $2.3 billion were signed at RES 2026, with the bulk of investments channelled into renewable energy, waste management, and industrial decarbonisation.

23/04/2026

Earth News

Central Asian leaders back proposal for UN water agency

Leaders from across Central Asia, alongside representatives from countries including Georgia, Armenia, Mongolia and Azerbaijan, are taking part in discussions on regional environmental priorities.

22/04/2026

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan confirms suspension of oil transit to Germany via Russia

Kazakhstan’s energy minister announced Wednesday there would be no transit of its oil to Germany through Russia throughout May due to Russian technical constraints, assuming it is “related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure".

22/04/2026

East-West Connect

How this country is building a regional food processing hub

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan, one of the EU’s top suppliers of sunflower meal and durum wheat, wants value-added products to dominate its agricultural exports by 2028.

22/04/2026