Articles by Aida Haidar

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Vietnam took a significant step toward strengthening economic and transportation ties on May 6, as Qazaq Air and Vietnam’s Vietjet announced the creation of a new joint airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan. The agreement was signed during the Kazakhstan-Vietnam Business Roundtable, as part of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam…

MUMBAI — As I attended the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in the early days of May, I found myself not just a journalist covering an event, but a dreamer swept up in something far larger than headlines and press kits. I was in the middle of a movement. And where better for…

ASTANA — Amid growing global tensions and shifting alliances, France and Kazakhstan are steadily building a partnership that stands out for its consistency, mutual respect, and strategic depth. Anchored in a shared commitment to multilateralism, the relationship has gained new momentum through recent reciprocal presidential visits and a widening scope of cooperation, from water security…

ASTANA — The media is changing faster than ever, and so are the rules of the game. As artificial intelligence reshapes how information is created and consumed, and as trust in news sources faces unprecedented pressure, the second Central Asian Media Forum opened with a powerful plenary session on April 16, bringing together heavyweight media…

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov took part in the 59th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee of OPEC+ (JMMC) meeting, held via videoconference on April 5. According to the ministry’s press service, the Committee reviewed data on member countries’ conformity with the OPEC+ Agreement for January and February 2025, acknowledged the overall compliance level,…

ASTANA — Long before the emergence of Marvel and DC comics, Kazakhs had their own superheroes. Instead of spandex suits, they were decked in shining armor, wielding swords, and riding horses faster than the wind. One of the most renowned batyrs is Kobylandy Batyr, often likened to Hercules — a fearless warrior devoted to protecting…

ASTANA — Speaking at the National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled a series of ambitious projects aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, regional development, and digital transformation. He emphasized the need for economic innovation to ensure the country remains competitive on the global stage. Infrastructure projects and 200 annual investment initiatives…

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a pragmatic approach as Kazakhstan nears its 40th anniversary of independence at the National Kurultai on March 14. Tokayev emphasized the need for a clear understanding of the country’s legacy and the historical challenges that must be addressed by then.  Tokayev reiterated that Kazakhstan must be realistic…

ASTANA – Globalism is losing relevance, giving way to state nationalism, the struggle for spheres of influence, and the regionalization of global politics, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14. He stressed that the world is undergoing a profound transformation. According to Tokayev, unprecedented conflicts, a deep crisis of…

ASTANA — Let me be frank: I am not a fan of Dimash. But in saying this, I do not in any way diminish his God-given talent. His vocal range is unparalleled — that is undeniable. However, to truly be a fan of someone, in my view, means having their songs on repeat, filling your…

ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu embarked on the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations to Rabat at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita on Feb. 28. Strengthening diplomatic and economic…

ASTANA — I grew up in a Russian-speaking environment, but within deeply rooted Kazakh traditions — or at least, that’s how I’ve always felt. From childhood, I witnessed a world where everyday life intertwined with beliefs in the unseen. Superstitions and deep reverence for the tangible world blended seamlessly with an unshakable awareness of forces…

ASTANA – A recent wildlife census in Altyn-Emel National Park recorded over 9,000 endangered animals, including 5,500 goitered gazelles, 3,600 kulans, and 190 argali, the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reported on Feb. 7. To conduct the survey, seven groups of 20 specialists worked in clear, windless conditions, using direct observation and track…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with ambitious goals for the future, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Zhana Adamdar (New People) youth forum on Feb. 8, reported Akorda press service. “Kazakhstan must become the most advanced state. We should not only learn but also teach others. It is up…

ASTANA — The population of Kazakhstan surpassed 20.2 million as of Jan. 1, according to the figures released by the Bureau of National Statistics. The number of citizens grew by 252,242, or 1.26%, over the past year. Kazakhstan’s largest cities continue to see rapid population growth. Almaty remains the most populous city, with a population…

ASTANA — According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work report, AI’s impact on the global economy is profound yet multifaceted, offering opportunities for productivity gains while raising concerns about labor market disruptions. The report highlights that 40% of global employment is exposed to AI, with advanced economies…

ASTANA—The light rail train (LRT) project is nearing completion, with construction scheduled to be finished by summer, Astana Akim (Mayor) Zhenis Kassymbek announced during an expanded government meeting on Jan. 28. He said that the first trains are expected to arrive in September, followed by intensive testing. Kassymbek noted that a comprehensive program for developing…

ABU DHABI — I found myself exploring a new kind of sea — one composed not of water but of sunlight. Standing amidst the four million solar panels of Masdar’s Al Dhafra two gigawatt solar PV Project, located just over 30 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I was awestruck by the…

ABU DHABI — Kazakhstan has solidified its role as a magnet for international investment in renewable energy, showcasing its portfolio of 153 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 3,032 MW at the High-Level Dialogue on Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia, held during the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy…

ASTANA — In 2024, Kazakhstan embarked on a transformative path with significant legislative reforms to strengthen the national scientific system, boost investment, and enhance social protections, all while addressing key challenges for development. National Development Plan until 2029 The government adopted the National Development Plan until 2029, which outlines the country’s medium-term strategy and key…

ASTANA – The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has officially joined the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) as an Associate Member following the 45th Council Meeting held on Dec. 22 in Djibouti. The meeting, chaired by Ahmed Osman Ali, Governor of the Banque Centrale de Djibouti, marked a significant milestone in advancing Islamic financial services across…

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of the plane crash involving Azerbaijan Airlines near Aktau city on Dec. 25, Akorda press service reported. In his message, President Tokayev extended heartfelt condolences to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the victims’ families, and the people of Azerbaijan. The President instructed establishing a State…

ASTANA – Aktau residents responded immediately to an urgent call for blood donations following a plane crash near the city on Dec. 25, demonstrating an outpouring of support for the victims, Tengrinews reported.  The Blood Center of the Mangystau Region issued an appeal earlier today, urging healthy individuals to donate blood. “We ask all caring…

ASTANA – An Azerbaijan Airlines flight traveling from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau on Dec. 25. The aircraft was carrying 67 people, including five crew members. According to preliminary information from the Kazakh Emergency Ministry, 25 individuals have survived the crash, with 22 currently hospitalized. A total of 150 personnel and 45 equipment units…

ASTANA—Marco Alberti, the Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, reflected on his transformative three-year tenure in Kazakhstan in an exclusive interview with The Astana Times. He emphasized the two nations’ creative synergy and deepening economic and cultural ties. As his time in Kazakhstan draws to a close, Alberti offers insights into the…