EBRD Backs Trilateral Effort on Central Asia’s Largest Hydropower Project

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministries of Energy of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan have signed memoranda of understanding to advance...


Almaty to Host ATP 250 Tennis Tournament This Month

ASTANA – The Almaty Open ATP 250 tennis tournament is set to take place from Oct. 11 to 19 at the Almaty Arena.  The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF) has...


What’s On This Weekend: Most Vibrant Events to Brighten Your Days

ASTANA – The weekend is calling, and it is packed with things to do. Catch some live music, stroll through an art show, or spend time with family in...


Tokayev Highlights Trade, Technology, and Transport as Pillars of Central Asia–Russia Partnership

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Russia and Central Asian nations, emphasizing stability, economic integration, and technological partnership as key priorities during...


Ancient Wisdom for Sustainable Future: Lessons from Kazakh Steppe

Editor’s note: The Astana Times continues a section featuring articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations, we believe that this section provides...


Decade after Paris Agreement: New Report Takes Stock of Global Progress, Spotlights Kazakhstan’s Path 

ASTANA – Ten years after the Paris Agreement, a new report from the Deep Decarbonization Pathways (DDP) Initiative takes stock of global progress. Analyzing 21 countries, including Kazakhstan,  it...


Kazakh, Tajik Presidents Reaffirm Strategic Partnership and Regional Cooperation

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan on Oct. 9 in Dushanbe, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and...


Kazakh Artistic Swimmers Triumph at Asian Championships in India With 28 Medals

ALMATY – The Kazakh artistic swimming team from Karaganda achieved a historic triumph at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 11 in Ahmedabad, India....


President Tokayev Establishes Working Group on Parliamentary Reform

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing a working group on parliamentary reform on Oct. 8, following the key proposal of transitioning Kazakhstan to a unicameral...


First Kazakh Woman in Space Joins Blue Origin’s 15th Human Flight

ALMATY – The first-ever space journey by a Kazakh woman was marked by Danna Karagussova, who made history by joining the crew of Blue Origin’s New Shepard on its...


Kazakhstan Becomes Regional Leader in Times Higher Education Rankings 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has entered the world’s top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The report, released on Oct. 9, highlights Kazakhstan’s growing...


Kazakhstan, Germany Agree on Strategic Partnership to Foster Water Management

ALMATY – Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the German Water Partnership (GWP) signed a strategic partnership agreement on Oct. 8 to strengthen cooperation in sustainable water...


Kazakhstan Increases Budget Revenues as Digital Reform Advances

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s state budget revenues grew by 23.4% in 2025, reaching 21.6 trillion tenge (approximately US$40 billion). It was revealed during the Oct. 8 meeting between President Kassym-Jomart...


‘Capture Moment,’ Says Kai-Fu Lee on Kazakhstan’s AI Ambitions

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence pioneer Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of Sinovation Ventures and author of “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,” believes Kazakhstan stands at...


President Tokayev Voices Support for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his support for the recently reached agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages during indirect negotiations in...


OECD Survey Shows Notable Progress in Kazakhstan’s Education System

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has seen positive improvements in its education system, according to the latest Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development...


Kazakhstan, France, China Advance Nation’s Largest Renewable Energy Project

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital took a step toward a greener future as TotalEnergies, in partnership with Qazaq Green Power and KMG Green, has completed supplier selection for the...


Health Minister: Over 80,000 Foreign Patients Choose Kazakhstan for Medical Treatment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has welcomed over 80,000 foreign citizens seeking medical treatment in the country since the beginning of the year. High-quality cardiac, neurosurgical, dental, and in vitro fertilization...


Air Astana CEO Foster to Retire in March 2026, Ibrahim Canliel Named Successor

ASTANA – Air Astana Board of Directors announced on Oct. 8 that Peter Foster will retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer and from the board of directors...


World Bank: Investing in Jobs Key to Boosting Productivity and Growth in Europe and Central Asia

ASTANA – Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) has slowed but remains resilient amid global and regional challenges, according to the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia...


How Digital Tenge Could Start Changing Life in Kazakhstan Next Year

ASTANA –  Starting in 2026, Kazakhstan will begin the phased transition of all government budgets to the digital tenge. It is not just another payment tool – it is...


Kazakhstan Pushes Global Action to Strengthen Humanitarian Law

ASTANA – International humanitarian law (IHL) should be reinforced to protect civilians and ensure accountability in war, said government officials, humanitarian organizations, and International Committee of the Red Cross...


Kazakh FM Urges Swift Launch of Turkic Investment Fund to Boost Regional Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev called on Turkic states to accelerate the launch of the Turkic Investment Fund, highlighting its potential to become a key driver of...


Kazakh Entrepreneur Drives Ambitious Mission to Build 100 Eco-Friendly Villages

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to launch a large-scale project to build 100 green villages, an initiative led by entrepreneur and BIRCH CEO Vladimir Rich, who calls it an...


Kazakhstan Accelerates Shift to Cashless Economy as Digital Payments Hit Record High

ALMATY – The Kazakh National Bank reported robust growth in the country’s digital financial infrastructure from January to June 2025, with daily transactions through its payment systems averaging 6.3...


Kazakhstan Travel Forum Highlights Safety and Growth in Tourism Sector

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Travel Forum is taking place in Astana on Oct. 6-8, gathering major tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, airports, tourism associations, government agencies, and foreign partners...


Turkic World Film Festival Awards Top Prizes in Aktau

ALMATY – Korkyt Ata Turkic World Film Festival held a closing ceremony on Oct. 4, announcing the winners among 47 films and bringing together filmmakers, cultural leaders, and audiences...


President Tokayev Proposes Expanding Integration at OTS Summit

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of unity in addressing global challenges, proposing initiatives to enhance political, economic, and cultural cooperation at the 12th summit of the...


Kazakhstan Chosen as Filming Location for Jackie Chan’s Upcoming Blockbuster

ALMATY – The fourth installment of the cult franchise “Armour of God: Ultimatum” starring Jackie Chan will be filmed in Kazakhstan, Salem Entertainment media company announced on its Instagram...


Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Life Expectancy

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has achieved the highest life expectancy in Central Asia, reaching 75.4 years, following the introduction of the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), Minister of Healthcare Akmaral...


FlyArystan to Launch Direct Flights from Aktau to Dubai in November

ALMATY – Kazakh low-cost airline FlyArystan will launch a new direct route connecting Aktau and Dubai on Nov. 29, offering travelers a convenient and affordable link to one of...


Kazakhstan Tops Global Gold Purchases in August Amid Record Prices

ALMATY – Kazakhstan emerged as the world’s leading gold purchaser in August, acquiring eight tons of the precious metal and surpassing other central banks, according to data released by...


Kazakhstan to Increase Oil Supply to Germany in 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan will expand oil exports to Germany in 2026 following an agreement between KazMunayGaz (KMG) and Rosneft Deutschland GmbH, the companies announced on Oct. 7. KMG Chairman...


How Armenia-Azerbaijan Deal Reconfigurates Eurasia’s Connectivity, Balance of Power

ASTANA – On Aug. 8, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an agreement in Washington, D.C. under the mediation of the United States to normalize relations after decades of hostility and...


Dimash Meets Cultural Leaders Following Madison Square Garden Triumph in New York

ASTANA — World-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen met with prominent cultural figures and representatives of organizations promoting Kazakh culture and music in the United States at Kazakhstan’s Consulate General...


Shaidorov Claims Gold at Denis Ten Memorial Challenge in Almaty

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s figure skating team leader Mikhail Shaidorov won the gold medal at the Denis Ten Memorial Challenge in Almaty. Shaidorov won both the short program (95.01) and...


Kazakhstan Opens Third UEFA-Standard Stadium in Kyzylorda

ASTANA – The Kaisar Arena, a new multifunctional complex featuring an 11,000-seat UEFA-standard stadium, has opened in Kyzylorda. Covering over 20,000 square meters, the facility includes venues for boxing,...


Kazakhstan and Madrid Forge Digital Partnership to Boost GovTech and AI Collaboration

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s National Information Technologies (NITEC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Digitalization of the Autonomous Community of Madrid on Oct. 3 to build cooperation...


Almaty Receives World Craft City Status, Showcases Global Artistry at ALA CRAFT 2025

ALMATY – When warmth and care are needed, people return to childhood memories – where a handwoven carpet guarded sleep, a wooden toy chased away dark spirits, or a...


Kazakhstan Boosts Film Ties with Turkic Nations at Korkyt Ata Festival

ASTANA – As part of the Korkyt Ata International Film Festival of the Turkic World in Aktau, the State Center for National Cinema Support of Kazakhstan strengthened cultural and...


OPEC+ Eight to Boost Oil Output by 137,000 Barrels per Day in November

ASTANA – Eight leading OPEC+ countries, Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have agreed to raise oil production by 137,000 barrels per...


Kazakh PM Highlights AI and Technological Transformation at Digital Bridge 2025

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov reiterated the nation’s commitment to achieving a new technological breakthrough during the plenary session of the Digital Bridge: Generative Nation international...


Almaty Museum Hosts Serbian Exhibition to Celebrate Women’s Role Across Centuries and Nations

ALMATY – Woman carries many missions in life – she nurtures, she inspires, she perseveres. Even in a world where some girls are denied opportunities, the stories of remarkable...


Astana Leads Conversation on Peace and Faith

This September, Astana once again became the meeting point for faiths and cultures as it hosted the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. What makes this...


Scottish Bagpiper Marks Kazakhstan as 116th Country in Global Journey

ASTANA – Kazakhstan became the 116th country for Ross Jennings, a Scottish traveler and musician on a mission to play the bagpipes in every nation. Dressed in a traditional...


Kazakhstan Expands Wildlife Conservation Efforts: Growing Populations and Updated Red Book

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is strengthening its biodiversity conservation policies through new reintroduction projects, population monitoring of rare species, and updates to its Red Book of endangered animals. It was...


Seven Startups Win at Astana Hub Battle During Digital Bridge 2025

ASTANA —  Seven startups from Central Eurasia secured $25,000 prizes each at the Astana Hub Battle, the region’s largest startup competition, held during the Digital Bridge 2025 technology forum...


Ed Catmull at InMerge 2025: How Pixar Turned Impossible into Reality

BAKU — Imagine needing 100 supercomputers worth $10 million each just to make your movie. That was Pixar in the 1980s, a tiny team with a gigantic dream. At...


Kazakhstan’s Oldest Resident Turns 115 as Number of Centenarians Reaches 448

ALMATY – Kazakhstan counts 448 citizens aged 100 and over, with the oldest resident, a woman from the Ulytau Region, marking her 115th birthday, according to recent statistics. The...


Kazakhstan Releases Ancient Manuscript of Historic National Epic

ALMATY – The National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books has digitized and released a facsimile edition of the oldest surviving manuscript of the Kazakh epic “Edige bi”, a...