The international television channel Travel XP has released a teaser on Instagram for a new episode about Kazakhstan, with Almaty as the main travel destination. By the end of June 2026, the program will be seen by viewers in more than 110 countries around the world.
To produce the episode, the Travel XP film crew visited Almaty and filmed the city's most recognizable tourist locations. The program's captured Kok-Tobe, the Green Bazaar, Arbat, Panfilov Park, the Palace of the Republic, and other landmarks. The Almaty Tourism Bureau provided support in organizing the filming.
The upcoming episode will introduce the international audience to the nature, culture, gastronomy, and contemporary atmosphere of Kazakhstan's largest city.
Almaty's appearance on one of the world's leading travel channels will serve as an additional tool for promoting the city's tourism potential, familiarizing millions of viewers with its unique blend of mountain landscapes, urban culture, and recreational opportunities.
The Asian Fencing Championship continues in New Delhi (India), where the men's sabre team of Kazakhstan has won bronze medals in the team competition.
A significant contribution to the national team's success was made by Almaty athletes Zhanat Nabiyev and Nurmukhammed Zhailybay, who competed on the Kazakhstan team alongside Artyom Sarkisyan and Nazarbay Sattarkhan.
On their way to the medals, the Kazakh sabre fencers confidently defeated the teams of Iran (45:33) and Uzbekistan (45:43), advancing to the semifinals of the continental championship. In the battle for a spot in the final, the team lost to one of the tournament favorites — the South Korean team — with a score of 34:45.
In the match for third place, the Kazakh athletes showed great determination and, in a tense contest, defeated the Chinese team with a score of 45:44, claiming the bronze medals of the Asian Championship.
The Asian Fencing Championship will conclude on June 24.
The Almaty Zoo has seen a new addition – two calves were born to female saigas named Stella and Aina. This was reported by the city's Department of Culture.
The saiga (Saiga tatarica) is one of the oldest representatives of the animal kingdom, having survived since the Ice Age. Today, this species is protected and holds a special conservation status.
According to specialists, the saiga calves are feeling well, are actively developing, and remain close to their mothers. They are currently nursing on milk and will gradually transition to a plant-based diet as they grow older.
The Almaty Zoo is among the few zoological institutions that manage to regularly produce saiga offspring in captivity. Specialists note that this is an important outcome of efforts to conserve the rare species and maintain biological diversity.
The calves are now about a month old. They are under constant observation by veterinary specialists and are developing in accordance with age-appropriate norms.
Visitors to the zoo can already see the young saiga calves and observe one of the rarest inhabitants of the Kazakh steppes.
The Department of Sports of the City of Almaty has begun implementing a pilot project to introduce a system of functional diagnostics and scientific and medical support for athletes in the sports reserve.
Today, an athlete's training is not only about workouts and competitions. It is equally important to understand how the body handles physical loads, whether it has enough time to recover, and whether there is a risk of overtraining or injury. That is why modern methods of sports science are becoming an essential part of athlete preparation worldwide.
As part of the program, athletes undergo comprehensive examinations using cutting-edge methods of sports medicine and functional diagnostics. During the examination, specialists assess heart function, the respiratory system, endurance levels, and the body's ability to recover after physical exertion. To this end, modern sports diagnostic technologies are employed, including body composition analysis using the InBody device, electroencephalography (EEG), as well as ergospirometry testing with continuous wireless ECG monitoring in real time.
The project is being implemented at the Trinity Corp. Center for Sports Medicine and Diagnostics. Thanks to the agreements reached, Almaty athletes now have the opportunity to undergo comprehensive examinations under special conditions. Diagnostics are performed using specialized equipment commonly used in sports medicine for the objective assessment of athletes' functional status.
The first participants in the program are students of the Specialized Boarding School for Gifted Children in Sports. Currently, 133 young athletes are undergoing in-depth diagnostics. By the end of the year, more than 200 athletes from Almaty's sports reserve, who are set to take part in national and international competitions, will have undergone examinations as part of the project.
According to a sports medicine physician, the main value of such diagnostics lies not only in assessing the athlete's current physical fitness.
"Modern sports diagnostics make it possible to timely detect signs of overtraining, insufficient recovery, and risks that could lead to a decline in athletic performance or injury. The data obtained helps coaches and specialists more accurately plan the training process, individually distribute workloads, and monitor the athlete's condition at all stages of preparation," the specialist noted.
Upon completion of the project, an analysis of the results will be conducted, and the prospects for further development of the scientific support system for athletes in Almaty's sports reserve will be considered.
Almaty has hosted the final session of the educational project "Analytics School. Almaty," implemented by the City of Almaty Department of Youth Policy with the support of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project serves as a regional extension of the "Taldau Mektebi" (Analytics School) initiative, which has been running for five years. Its goal is to foster an analytical culture, build a professional community of analysts, and develop practical solutions to pressing issues facing the country's largest metropolis.
The strong interest in the project was reflected in the competitive selection process. During the application period, 218 submissions were received, from which 65 participants were selected to join the program. The cohort included representatives from the academic community, higher education institutions, government agencies, the quasi-public sector, international organizations, think tanks, the IT industry, business, and the civil sector.
The educational program was hosted at the Narxoz Business School. Over six weeks, participants studied modern approaches to strategic planning, data analytics, public administration, urban studies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, ecology, tourism, and the creative economy.
Special emphasis was placed on the practical application of analytical tools and the development of solutions aimed at the sustainable development of Almaty.
The project speakers included Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Assel Zhanasova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Olzhas Tuleuov, Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Alua Zholdybalina, Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dmitry Mun, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Timur Shalekenov, Head of Yandex Qazaqstan; Kairat Akhmetov, CEO of Freedom Telecom; Talgat Gazizov, Chairman of the Board of NC Kazakh Tourism JSC; Arsen Tomsky, founder of the international service inDrive; along with leading domestic and international experts.
During the training, participants were divided into seven tracks: "Smart Governance of the Metropolis," "Creative Economy and Cultural Strategy," "Tourism and International Positioning," "Urban Studies and Spatial Development," "Ecology and Sustainable Urban Environment," "Digital Economy and Innovative Ecosystems," and "Sustainable Development and Partnerships."
At the conclusion of the program, teams presented analytical projects and practical recommendations on key issues concerning Almaty's development. The final stage featured a project defense under the overarching concept "DATA-DRIVEN CITY in Action," where participants showcased solutions grounded in data analysis and modern urban management approaches.
On the final day of the project, participants were addressed by Zhakyp Asanov, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Following the project defenses, a certificate award ceremony was held for the graduates.
As the organizers noted, the "Analytics School. Almaty" served as a platform for training a new generation of professionals capable of devising practical solutions for the city's sustainable development, implementing modern analytical methods, and contributing to the formulation of Almaty's long-term development strategy based on data and expert knowledge.
Starting June 20, a dedicated lane for public transport will begin operating in pilot mode on Sain Street, on the section from Ryskulov Avenue to Mustafin Street. This was reported by the city's Department of Traffic Management and Passenger Transport.
As part of the preparations for the project launch, road services have already begun applying special yellow markings and installing the corresponding road signs. The work is planned to be completed by June 19.
According to the department, the introduction of the dedicated lane is aimed at improving the efficiency of public transport, streamlining traffic flow, and enhancing safety on one of the city's busiest transport corridors.
The new traffic organization scheme is expected to ensure more stable and predictable bus movement, reduce delays in the general traffic flow, and improve the regularity of route operations.
The pilot mode will allow for an assessment of the effectiveness of the measures taken and ensure a phased adaptation of road users to the changes. Drivers are asked to carefully follow road signs and markings, and to take the changes into account when planning their routes.
Deputy Akim Nurlan Abdrakhim met with His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and British Consul General in Istanbul, Mr. David Reed.
The parties discussed issues of strengthening bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as the development of urban infrastructure.
Today, the United Kingdom is among the top 10 largest investors in Kazakhstan's economy, which demonstrates the high level of confidence British business has in our country's investment potential. The meeting also noted the high level of relations between Almaty and the United Kingdom.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of advanced British experience in the fields of architecture, urban infrastructure development, and green energy. The parties emphasized that cooperation in sustainable urban development and environmental transformation holds great potential.
Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to expand interregional ties, implement joint investment projects, and further deepen partnership relations.
GITEX, the world’s largest technology and startup event network, today announced the inaugural GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will take place in Almaty, the country’s largest city, from 4-5 May 2026. The new location puts the event at the centre of the region’s hub for commerce, manufacturing, enterprise, and innovation.
Aligning with Kazakhstan’s year of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan reinforces the country’s intent to be one of world’s most influential technology ecosystems while enabling export growth, stronger partnerships, and increased investment into technology-driven projects.
Organised by inD – the global organisers of GITEX events – and hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty, GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will convene global policymakers, frontier-tech enterprises, AI visionaries, cloud and data-infrastructure leaders, fintech disruptors, and the region’s most promising startups to propel the region’s transformation into a competitive digital powerhouse.
Zhaslan Madiev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, commented: “Hosting GITEX in Almaty confirms Kazakhstan’s growing role as a regional hub for technology leaders, startups, and investment. For us, this is not just a large-scale event, but a practical instrument to accelerate digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy and public administration. Our objective is to ensure that this momentum delivers measurable impact — enabling faster market deployment of solutions, increasing productivity, and creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.”
Darhan Satybaldy, akim of Almaty city, said: “By hosting GITEX in Almaty, we are positioning the city to become an even more influential hub of innovation, commerce and enterprise for the wider Central Asian region. As our local development of frontier technology grows so does the realisation of our national ambition to export it to the rest of the world.”
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of inD, global organiser of GITEX, noted: “Kazakhstan’s leadership has demonstrated remarkable foresight in crafting a digital future rooted in conviction, capability, and socio-economic dividends. Almaty sits at the intersection of the entrepreneurial and innovation vigour ready to bring this vision to life. GITEX in Almaty offers a vantage point from which the world can not only observe the profound industrial and technological rise of Central Asia and the Caucasus but also participate in shaping its evolution.”
A Strategic Move to the Country’s Innovation Heartland
Welcoming influential tech stakeholders in Almaty aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader digital strategy and responds directly to the city’s rapid rise as an innovation epicentre. It is home to more than 1,500 startups, and accounts for 50% of the country’s Venture Capitalist (VC) funds and will soon welcome the world-class Qazaqstan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (QAIST), reaffirming its position as the hub where innovation, investments and technical talent thrive. In this setting, GITEX offers unparalleled proximity to the companies, startups, investors, and research institutions shaping Central Asia’s emerging digital-first economy.
A New Anchor for the World’s Leading Tech & Investments Network
Central Asia and the Caucasus are undergoing a seismic technological shift as digital adoption accelerates, startup ecosystems mature, and governments pursue future-focused transformation agendas. Within this landscape, Kazakhstan emerges as a regional frontrunner; home to Central Asia’s largest hyperscale data centre, more than 90% digitised public services, and flagship initiatives such as the alem.ai international AI centre.
GITEX’s arrival in Kazakhstan marks a defining moment for this digital trajectory. With Almaty as the host city, the event becomes a regional anchor for the GITEX network, the world’s largest global ecosystem, which now links Central Asia and the Caucasus to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Turkey, and Vietnam.
For more information, visit the website: https://shorturl.at/Ejl2C
Book your space: https://shorturl.at/X5D5d
Pre-register to visit: https://shorturl.at/ifrK1
Download event brochure: https://shorturl.at/xXaNG
GITEX, the world’s largest technology and startup event network, today announced the inaugural GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will take place in Almaty, the country’s largest city, from 4-5 May 2026. The new location puts the event at the centre of the region’s hub for commerce, manufacturing, enterprise, and innovation.
Aligning with Kazakhstan’s year of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan reinforces the country’s intent to be one of world’s most influential technology ecosystems while enabling export growth, stronger partnerships, and increased investment into technology-driven projects.
Organised by inD – the global organisers of GITEX events – and hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty, GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will convene global policymakers, frontier-tech enterprises, AI visionaries, cloud and data-infrastructure leaders, fintech disruptors, and the region’s most promising startups to propel the region’s transformation into a competitive digital powerhouse.
Zhaslan Madiev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, commented: “Hosting GITEX in Almaty confirms Kazakhstan’s growing role as a regional hub for technology leaders, startups, and investment. For us, this is not just a large-scale event, but a practical instrument to accelerate digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy and public administration. Our objective is to ensure that this momentum delivers measurable impact — enabling faster market deployment of solutions, increasing productivity, and creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.”
Darhan Satybaldy, akim of Almaty city, said: “By hosting GITEX in Almaty, we are positioning the city to become an even more influential hub of innovation, commerce and enterprise for the wider Central Asian region. As our local development of frontier technology grows so does the realisation of our national ambition to export it to the rest of the world.”
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of inD, global organiser of GITEX, noted: “Kazakhstan’s leadership has demonstrated remarkable foresight in crafting a digital future rooted in conviction, capability, and socio-economic dividends. Almaty sits at the intersection of the entrepreneurial and innovation vigour ready to bring this vision to life. GITEX in Almaty offers a vantage point from which the world can not only observe the profound industrial and technological rise of Central Asia and the Caucasus but also participate in shaping its evolution.”
A Strategic Move to the Country’s Innovation Heartland
Welcoming influential tech stakeholders in Almaty aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader digital strategy and responds directly to the city’s rapid rise as an innovation epicentre. It is home to more than 1,500 startups, and accounts for 50% of the country’s Venture Capitalist (VC) funds and will soon welcome the world-class Qazaqstan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (QAIST), reaffirming its position as the hub where innovation, investments and technical talent thrive. In this setting, GITEX offers unparalleled proximity to the companies, startups, investors, and research institutions shaping Central Asia’s emerging digital-first economy.
A New Anchor for the World’s Leading Tech & Investments Network
Central Asia and the Caucasus are undergoing a seismic technological shift as digital adoption accelerates, startup ecosystems mature, and governments pursue future-focused transformation agendas. Within this landscape, Kazakhstan emerges as a regional frontrunner; home to Central Asia’s largest hyperscale data centre, more than 90% digitised public services, and flagship initiatives such as the alem.ai international AI centre.
GITEX’s arrival in Kazakhstan marks a defining moment for this digital trajectory. With Almaty as the host city, the event becomes a regional anchor for the GITEX network, the world’s largest global ecosystem, which now links Central Asia and the Caucasus to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Turkey, and Vietnam.
For more information, visit the website: https://shorturl.at/Ejl2C
Book your space: https://shorturl.at/X5D5d
Pre-register to visit: https://shorturl.at/ifrK1
Download event brochure: https://shorturl.at/xXaNG
In 2025, 87 offspring from 31 animal species were born at the Almaty Zoo. Furthermore, the zoo's collection is annually replenished with new and rare species, such as the bison, tamandua, civet, genet, and agama. This was announced by the head of the Almaty City Culture Department, Daniyar Aliyev, at a briefing held at the Regional Communications Service.
Today, the Almaty Zoo is one of the oldest and most significant zoos in Kazakhstan. On its 21-hectare territory, it currently houses over 4,000 animals, birds, and reptiles belonging to 385 species. Of these, 76 species are included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and 24 species are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
"In 2025, the number of zoo visitors reached 1.2 million people. This clearly demonstrates the high popularity of our zoo in the country and the region. The annual increase in attendance is the result of our work and a reflection of the mission to preserve nature," noted the head of the department, Daniyar Aliyev.
In 2025, the Almaty Zoo was accepted as a full member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). This status confirms the zoo's compliance with international standards and opens up new opportunities in the field of animal conservation and scientific research.
This year, a large-scale reconstruction will take place at the Almaty Zoo. The goal of the project is to create a comfortable, modern, and educationally rich space for visitors. Upon completion of the reconstruction, the zoo will be able to accommodate up to 2 million people per year.
The Almaty Zoo is a unique place that fosters a love for nature and provides knowledge and vivid impressions for both children and adults. In this new stage of its development, the zoo is expected to become not only the largest modern center in Almaty but in the entire Central Asian region.