Articles by Nagima Abuova

ASTANA—As the year ends, The Astana Times reflects on key events in Kazakhstan’s cultural scene. From cinematic triumphs to groundbreaking exhibitions, the nation has showcased its dedication to preserving heritage and fostering creativity.  While this article provides a small glimpse, the depth and diversity of cultural endeavors this year continue to inspire and unite communities.…

ASTANA—In 2024, Kazakhstan’s healthcare system underwent significant reforms to improve accessibility, efficiency and transparency. In an interview with The Astana Times, Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova outlined key innovations, including advancements in primary care, infrastructure modernization and domestic pharmaceutical growth, to strengthen public health services nationwide. The year has been challenging for all industries, especially…

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports hosted the annual Uzdik Award ceremony on Dec. 24, recognizing the achievements of the nation’s athletes and coaches who have brought pride to Kazakhstan on the international stage. The event summarized the year’s sports accomplishments, highlighting key achievements and inspiring the younger generation to aim for…

ASTANA — For Kazakhs, sarqyt is more than a tradition; it is a cherished embodiment of generosity, hospitality and the joy of sharing. For me, sarqyt evokes fond childhood memories, recalling the excitement of waiting for my parents to return from celebrations and eagerly searching through the packets they brought home. Yet, for others, this…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has made significant strides in reforming its water resources management system, ensuring sustainable and efficient water use amidst growing climate challenges. In 2024, the country introduced key infrastructure projects, modernized irrigation systems, and integrated advanced digital technologies to address water scarcity and promote long-term resilience. According to Premierminister.kz, the government’s efforts have…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 4.4% in 2024, driven by strategic measures to diversify the economy, attract investments and bolster domestic businesses. Government initiatives focused on expanding the non-oil sector, fostering a favorable investment climate, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Key economic indicators  According to Premierminister.kz, preliminary estimates reveal that more than…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is advancing its digital transformation to improve public services, support innovation, accelerate economic growth, and rank among the global leaders in online services and IT development. According to Premierminister.kz, the United Nations reported that Kazakhstan ranks 24th among 193 countries in digitalization and is among the top 10 globally in online services.…

ASTANA—The Kazakh-German Center in Astana hosted the fourth annual Avant-garde of the Germans of Kazakhstan award ceremony on Dec. 13. The ceremony honored individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields and exemplify the achievements of the German community in Kazakhstan. The winners included Alexander Scherzer in science, Lyubov Kikolenko in art, Artur Gafner…

ASTANA—Creative Industries Alliance Qazaqstan (CIAQ) and Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS) hosted a panel discussion on Dec. 11 in Astana. The discussions focused on investment opportunities in Kazakhstan’s creative sector.  Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers addressed pressing issues and explored solutions to boost the industry’s growth. Creative industries represent a dynamically growing segment of…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s establishment of a Permanent Representative Office at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2024 has deepened its global aviation ties. ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano highlighted Kazakhstan’s advancements in civil aviation, safety and environmental initiatives in an interview with Kazinform. Sciacchitano noted that his recent meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened…

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its series of articles, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City, in the marvelous city of Aktobe. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of cities to bring you closer to the heart and soul of Kazakhstan. ASTANA — Aktobe, a vibrant city in western Kazakhstan, offers a unique…

ASTANA — Anel Sytdykova, a trailblazing athlete from Kazakhstan, became the first Kazakh woman to swim in Antarctica’s icy waters on Nov. 12, completing the 750-meter swim at minus 1.4 degrees Celsius in less than 19 minutes. According to Kazinform, the journey to Antarctica began on Nov. 10 after Sytdykova and her group navigated the…

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on Dec. 7 to discuss strategic partnerships and joint investments. The meeting was held as part of Tokayev’s visit to Qatar.  During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the implementation of investment projects, including banking, telecommunications, energy, agriculture…

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Qatar for a working visit to participate in the Doha Forum and discuss renewable energy and investment projects with key Qatari business leaders on Dec. 6. During his visit, Tokayev met with Mohammed Nasser Al-Hajri, Chairman of Nebras Power, and  Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, owners of Power…

ASTANA —  A sociological survey conducted by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) offered insights into public sentiment about the conclusion of 2024. Despite global challenges, 66.2% of Kazakh citizens reported optimism, reflecting a favorable year personally and nationally. According to the survey results revealed by KazISS on the Dec.5 briefing, among 1,200 respondents,…

ASTANA — Nasyr Tarlabek, a 10-year-old prodigy from Kazakhstan, has made history by winning the Confédération Mondiale de l’Accordéon (CMA) World Accordion Championship, held Nov. 25-30 in Montargis, France. According to the Khabar TV channel, this is the first time a Kazakh musician has claimed the prestigious title in the competition’s 60-year history. Tarlabek competed…

ASTANA — Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva secured the top spot in three International Chess Federation (FIDE) world rankings, excelling in the under-20 category, blitz, and rapid formats. According to the Khabar TV channel, Assaubayeva has also made a strong impression among women, ranking 13th overall and placing in the top 10 in both blitz…

ASTANA — To establish direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States, the Kazakh aviation regulators hosted representatives from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), led by its regional attache Chris Hadinger, from Dec. 3-5. The visit focused on assessing and enhancing aviation security protocols.  According to the press service of the Aviation Administration of…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are negotiating tungsten supply agreements, signaling deepening ties in resource development and economic cooperation between the two nations. According to Kazinform, the collaboration stems from a 2023 memorandum of understanding in the critical minerals sector, followed by a roadmap signed earlier this year. A conference organized by the…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with Azerbaijan reached $394 million in the first 10 months this year, marking a 38.7% increase from the previous year, reported Kazinform on Dec.4. According to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, exports from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan increased by 23.2%, totaling $107.7 million. Exports from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan grew by…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s National Central Bureau of Interpol, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Asset Recovery Committee of the Prosecutor General’s Office signed a memorandum of cooperation on Dec.4.  According to Polisia.kz information media portal, the memorandum outlines collaborative initiatives, including sharing information, implementing joint projects and exchanging best practices to suppress illegal…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s traditional wedding ritual, Betashar, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec. 4, following a committee meeting in Asunción, Paraguay. This was announced by State Counselor Erlan Karin on his Facebook account.  Betashar in Kazakh translates as “revealing the face.” It originated in medieval times…

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Armenia, Austria, Cyprus, and the European Union (EU) on Dec. 4 in Ta’ Qali, Malta. The discussions were held alongside the 31st Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe…

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 3 to attend the One Water Summit, co-organized by Kazakhstan, France and the World Bank, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.  The summit, held in the margins of the 16th session of the Conference of the…

ASTANA —  Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) national railway company exported 2.9 million tons of grain from the new harvest between September and November, a 51% increase from 2023. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture, KTZ facilitated the transportation of 3.7 million tons of grain during this period, a 45% rise year-on-year.  The company transported…