Rybakina Beats World No. 1 to Claim Australian Open Title
ASTANA — Elena Rybakina, the leader of Kazakhstan’s women’s tennis team, captured the Australian Open 2026 title in Melbourne on Jan. 31, according to the National Olympic Committee.
Ice-cold under pressure: Rybakina downs World No. 1 for Australian Open Crown on Jan. 31. Photo credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation
In the championship match, Rybakina overcame…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111664
ASTANA — Elena Rybakina, the leader of Kazakhstan’s women’s tennis team, captured the Australian Open 2026 title in Melbourne on Jan. 31, according to the National Olympic Committee.
Ice-cold under pressure: Rybakina downs World No. 1 for Australian Open Crown on Jan. 31. Photo credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation
In the championship match, Rybakina overcame…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111664
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Public Vote to Determine Fate of New Constitution, Says President Tokayev
ASTANA — The final decision on the new Constitution will be made by the country’s citizens at a national referendum said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a Jan. 30 meeting dedicated to the Constitutional Commission’s work.
The Chair of the Constitutional Commission and Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova; Deputy Chair of the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111661
ASTANA — The final decision on the new Constitution will be made by the country’s citizens at a national referendum said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a Jan. 30 meeting dedicated to the Constitutional Commission’s work.
The Chair of the Constitutional Commission and Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova; Deputy Chair of the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111661
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Kazakhstan to Launch AI-Powered Digital Assistant for Tourists
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will introduce an AI-powered digital assistant for tourists as part of efforts to scale up a national electronic tourism service based on the Kazakhstan.Travel platform.
Photo credit: Chintung Lee/ Shutterstock.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Baurzhan Rapikov, work to populate the platform’s database will begin in February, to…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111623
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will introduce an AI-powered digital assistant for tourists as part of efforts to scale up a national electronic tourism service based on the Kazakhstan.Travel platform.
Photo credit: Chintung Lee/ Shutterstock.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Baurzhan Rapikov, work to populate the platform’s database will begin in February, to…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111623
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Audio
📰Weekly News Digest
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
Kazakhstan’s National Kurultai Draws on Steppe Tradition of Collective Governance
ASTANA — Kurultai reflects a long-standing steppe tradition of collective decision-making, with roots in the Kazakh Khanate. Historians assess its renewed political relevance in today’s reform agenda.
Photo credit: DALL-E
The idea of a kurultai has been revived in the National Kurultai, a consultative platform established in 2022, and its latest meeting took…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111568
ASTANA — Kurultai reflects a long-standing steppe tradition of collective decision-making, with roots in the Kazakh Khanate. Historians assess its renewed political relevance in today’s reform agenda.
Photo credit: DALL-E
The idea of a kurultai has been revived in the National Kurultai, a consultative platform established in 2022, and its latest meeting took…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111568
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From Office to Peaks: Anar Burasheva Reflects on Her Journey in Mountains
ASTANA – In January, Anar Burasheva stood atop Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, becoming the first woman from Kazakhstan to complete the Seven Summits, the challenge of climbing the highest mountain on each continent. In an interview with The Astana Times, Burasheva reflects on the physical and mental toll behind that achievement.…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111608
ASTANA – In January, Anar Burasheva stood atop Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, becoming the first woman from Kazakhstan to complete the Seven Summits, the challenge of climbing the highest mountain on each continent. In an interview with The Astana Times, Burasheva reflects on the physical and mental toll behind that achievement.…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111608
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Kasteev Museum That Raised Generations Reopens with Spirit Intact
ALMATY – The Abilkhan Kasteev State Museum of Arts was never just a museum for Almaty’s public. It was a second home and for many children, the place where a lifelong love for art first began.
The new flooring, made from more durable materials, sits on a leveled foundation that will better serve the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111580
ALMATY – The Abilkhan Kasteev State Museum of Arts was never just a museum for Almaty’s public. It was a second home and for many children, the place where a lifelong love for art first began.
The new flooring, made from more durable materials, sits on a leveled foundation that will better serve the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111580
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Venture Investment in AI Rises Fivefold in Two Years, Says Latest Report
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has developed a rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) startup ecosystem, with more than 100 AI startups now operating in the country and venture investment in the sector rising more than fivefold over the past two years, according to a new report presented on Jan. 28 in the Kazakh capital.
According to…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111648
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has developed a rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) startup ecosystem, with more than 100 AI startups now operating in the country and venture investment in the sector rising more than fivefold over the past two years, according to a new report presented on Jan. 28 in the Kazakh capital.
According to…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111648
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Kazakhstan Takes Chair of Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone for 2026
ALMATY – Kazakhstan has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia for 2026, following the annual consultative meeting of the treaty’s member states.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Representatives of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the meeting, where participating countries reviewed activities carried out in…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111685
ALMATY – Kazakhstan has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia for 2026, following the annual consultative meeting of the treaty’s member states.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Representatives of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the meeting, where participating countries reviewed activities carried out in…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111685
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Expert Warns of Rising Threat from Space Debris
ASTANA – Space exploration and environmental risks are increasingly intertwined as defunct spacecraft turn into uncontrolled debris orbiting Earth. Dr. Dmitry Sizov, an aerospace engineering expert at Astana-based Nazarbayev University, discussed the growing threat of space debris and its global implications during a lecture at the university on Jan. 29.
Dr. Dmitry Sizov, an…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111690
ASTANA – Space exploration and environmental risks are increasingly intertwined as defunct spacecraft turn into uncontrolled debris orbiting Earth. Dr. Dmitry Sizov, an aerospace engineering expert at Astana-based Nazarbayev University, discussed the growing threat of space debris and its global implications during a lecture at the university on Jan. 29.
Dr. Dmitry Sizov, an…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111690
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President Tokayev to Pay State Visit to Pakistan This Week
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Pakistan on Feb. 3–4, reported the Akorda press service.
During the visit, the Kazakh leader will hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. The negotiations will focus on prospects for strengthening political dialogue as well as expanding trade,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111703
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Pakistan on Feb. 3–4, reported the Akorda press service.
During the visit, the Kazakh leader will hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. The negotiations will focus on prospects for strengthening political dialogue as well as expanding trade,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111703
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OPEC+ Countries Pause Supply Hikes, Reaffirm Flexible Production Strategy
ALMATY – Eight OPEC+ member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to oil market stability, citing a steady global economic outlook and healthy market fundamentals reflected in relatively low inventories.
Photo credit: Reuters
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman held a virtual meeting on Feb. 1 to review…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111708
ALMATY – Eight OPEC+ member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to oil market stability, citing a steady global economic outlook and healthy market fundamentals reflected in relatively low inventories.
Photo credit: Reuters
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman held a virtual meeting on Feb. 1 to review…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111708
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Air Astana Launches Ticket Sales for Seasonal Flights to Cyprus
ALMATY – Air Astana has opened ticket sales for direct seasonal flights to Cyprus as part of its summer 2026 schedule. From June through September, the airline will operate regular services to Larnaca from both Astana and Almaty, reported the Civil Aviation Committee on Feb. 2.
Photo credit: Air Astana
Flights from Astana will…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111706
ALMATY – Air Astana has opened ticket sales for direct seasonal flights to Cyprus as part of its summer 2026 schedule. From June through September, the airline will operate regular services to Larnaca from both Astana and Almaty, reported the Civil Aviation Committee on Feb. 2.
Photo credit: Air Astana
Flights from Astana will…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111706
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Labour Market Trends: Who Employers Sought Most in Kazakhstan in 2025
ALMATY – More than 1.3 million job vacancies were posted in Kazakhstan in 2025, with demand strongest for healthcare, education and transport workers, reported the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s press service on Jan. 29.
Photo credit: Freepik.
According to the ministry, 1.328 million vacancies were published during the year, while job seekers…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111719
ALMATY – More than 1.3 million job vacancies were posted in Kazakhstan in 2025, with demand strongest for healthcare, education and transport workers, reported the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s press service on Jan. 29.
Photo credit: Freepik.
According to the ministry, 1.328 million vacancies were published during the year, while job seekers…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111719
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Kazakhstan to Introduce AI in Water Sector by May, PM Bektenov Says
ALMATY – Kazakhstan will launch an artificial intelligence–based project to manage water resources by May 1, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced during a Feb. 2 meeting on science and innovation, positioning digital solutions as a key tool for the country’s sustainable development.
Kazakhstan will launch an artificial intelligence–based project to manage water resources by…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111722
ALMATY – Kazakhstan will launch an artificial intelligence–based project to manage water resources by May 1, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced during a Feb. 2 meeting on science and innovation, positioning digital solutions as a key tool for the country’s sustainable development.
Kazakhstan will launch an artificial intelligence–based project to manage water resources by…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111722
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CFive Debuts With High-Level Discussion on Central Asia’s Path to 2030
ASTANA — An international expert discussion titled Central Asia 2030: Strategic Horizons and Regional Choices was held at Astana International University (AIU) on Feb. 2, bringing together regional and international policymakers and analysts to assess Central Asia’s strategic trajectory through the end of the decade. The forum marked the first public discussion and official…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111730
ASTANA — An international expert discussion titled Central Asia 2030: Strategic Horizons and Regional Choices was held at Astana International University (AIU) on Feb. 2, bringing together regional and international policymakers and analysts to assess Central Asia’s strategic trajectory through the end of the decade. The forum marked the first public discussion and official…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111730
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Experts Highlight Trade, Transit Focus Ahead of Tokayev’s Pakistan Visit
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Pakistan on Feb. 3–4, where he is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and attend the Kazakhstan-Pakistan business forum.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (right) and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holding meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111737
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Pakistan on Feb. 3–4, where he is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and attend the Kazakhstan-Pakistan business forum.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (right) and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holding meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111737
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How Water Policy Could Shape Kazakhstan’s Food Future
ASTANA — Experts and officials gathered for an online conference on Jan. 29 to discuss how water availability and potential deficits could affect Kazakhstan’s food security, particularly across irrigated crops and livestock. With inflation at 12.3% in 2025, experts said water efficiency will be necessary to stabilize the domestic food supply and contain price…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111710
ASTANA — Experts and officials gathered for an online conference on Jan. 29 to discuss how water availability and potential deficits could affect Kazakhstan’s food security, particularly across irrigated crops and livestock. With inflation at 12.3% in 2025, experts said water efficiency will be necessary to stabilize the domestic food supply and contain price…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111710
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Kazakhstan Approves Construction of Second Nuclear Power Plant in Almaty Region
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant will be constructed in the Zhambyl District of the Almaty Region, following a decision adopted by the government on Jan. 26.
Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times.
The decision was formalized by a government resolution No. 40,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111756
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant will be constructed in the Zhambyl District of the Almaty Region, following a decision adopted by the government on Jan. 26.
Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times.
The decision was formalized by a government resolution No. 40,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=111756
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