A grand opening ceremony of the cultural and tourism festival “LOTUS FEST-2026” was held in the village of Teniz, Kurmangazy District, reports the Regional Communications Service.
Akim of Kurmangazy District Abat Zhangaliyev took part in the official ceremony and congratulated residents and guests on the opening of the festival.
— I congratulate everyone on the opening of “LOTUS FEST-2026.” This festival not only introduces the general public to the natural beauty of the lotus fields, but also contributes to enhancing the region’s tourism potential. Such unique natural sites will help increase the number of visitors to the Atyrau Region, — the district akim noted.
The festive program continued with concert performances. The audience enjoyed performances by the Sarmad ethnofolklore ensemble, the Zhaiyq Kyzý folk dance ensemble, and pop singer Kuandyk Rakhym.
The festival aims to promote the natural features of the lotus fields, as well as to widely showcase the cultural and tourism potential of the region.
As part of the “Lotus Fest-2026” festival, a Run Marathon was held. A total of 94 people took part in the race, covering a distance of 3 kilometers, reports the Regional Communications Service.
The oldest participant in the race was 82 years old. The participation of people of different ages demonstrated the growing interest in mass sports.
The first runner to cross the finish line, Diar Kuspanov, shared his impressions:
— I was the first to finish the marathon. It was a little difficult, but the experience was simply incredible. I think everyone who ran this marathon experienced special emotions. Congratulations on the first Run Marathon! — he said.
For the participants, it was not just a sporting competition, but also an opportunity to spend time outdoors and enjoy a boost of positive emotions. After completing the marathon, all participants finished their respective distances and continued to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the festival.
The Lotus Fest – 2026 festival has begun in the Kurmangazy District of the Atyrau Region, celebrating the blooming season of the lotus, one of the region’s unique natural treasures.
The two-day festival has brought together local residents, guests from different regions of Kazakhstan, and international tourists.
Around 2,000 people attended the festival during its first few hours.
As part of the festivities, guests can enjoy a cultural and entertainment programme, national sports competitions, a handicraft fair, traditional Kazakh cuisine, activities for children, and a concert programme. Renowned Kazakh singer Kuandyk Rakhym will perform as a special guest.
The main highlight of the festival is the opportunity to take a boat trip along the Kigash River and admire the beautiful lotus fields blooming in their natural habitat.
Lotus Fest – 2026 aims to showcase the tourism potential of the Atyrau Region, promote the unique natural heritage of the Kurmangazy District, and contribute to the development of ecotourism.
On August 15–16, the «Lotus Fest» festival is taking place in a unique natural setting in the Teniz Rural District of Kurmangazy District, Atyrau Region.
Festival guests can enjoy tourism competitions, the «Lotus Run» marathon, a children’s play area, a concert program featuring pop stars, photo zones, shopping pavilions, a handicraft fair, and food courts.
Most importantly, visitors will have the opportunity to take a boat ride along the Kigach River and admire a rare natural wonder - the beautiful lotus flowers.
«Lotus Fest» is expected to become a special festival where nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences come together.
The ZhasTar Fest – 2026 festival was held in Atyrau to mark Youth Day. As part of the festive gala concert, young people who have achieved success in various fields were recognized, and the winners of the Tauelsizdik urpaktary grant project were announced. More than 15,000 people took part in the event, according to the Regional Communications Service.
At the opening of the festival, Atyrau city Deputy Akim Yerdos Abdissatarov congratulated young people on the holiday and spoke about the opportunities being created for the city’s younger residents.
“Today, young people account for 39 percent of the city’s population. More than 1,000 young people are actively involved in volunteer activities. Since the beginning of the year, 237 young specialists have been working at various institutions as part of the Youth Practice programme. I wish you to channel the energy and potential of youth for the benefit of the country and achieve new heights,” he said.
The winners of the Atyrau ZhasTar Fest Cup – 2026 esports tournament were also recognized during the event. Eighty young people took part in the competition as part of 16 teams. Following the tournament, Voco, Maqat and Genesis took the prize-winning places. The tournament’s best player also received a special award.
In addition, the winners of the Tauelsizdik urpaktary grant project were presented. The project covers areas including science, culture, information technology, business, media and volunteering.
The principles of Taza Qazaqstan and Law and Order were also promoted during the festive evening. Participants and guests of the festival were reminded of the importance of caring for the environment, taking part in improving their home region, complying with legal requirements and strengthening civic responsibility.
The festive evening concluded with performances by young artists from Atyrau, as well as Turar and Daricorn, who gave the audience vivid emotions and a festive atmosphere.
As part of the International Caspian Sea Day, observed on August 12, a round table titled “Clean Caspian: Interregional Cooperation” was held in Atyrau.
The event was attended by scientists from Kazakhstan and Russia, representatives of government bodies, higher education institutions and environmental organizations, experts, civil society organizations and eco-volunteers.
The participants discussed the current state of the Caspian ecosystem, the protection and sustainable use of water resources, biodiversity conservation, restoration of coastal areas, as well as the impact of human activities on the marine ecosystem.
The participants emphasized the importance of conducting scientific research and continuously monitoring the Caspian ecosystem. Experts also exchanged views on the impact of the North–South International Transport Corridor on the Caspian Sea, the aquatic ecosystems of the Volga–Caspian Basin and the environmental condition of the Northern Caspian.
During the exchange of views between scientists from Kazakhstan and Russia, the need for joint research into common environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea and the development of effective mechanisms to address them was highlighted.
As part of the event, 10 citizens who have contributed to the development of the water sector were presented with letters of appreciation from the akimat of the Atyrau region. Letters of appreciation from the Atyrau region Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management were also presented to school students from the Kurmangazy district who participated in delivering lotus seeds to Atyrau and cultivating them in the Taskala area.
In addition, the winners of two small environmental grants were recognized. The participants emphasized the importance of supporting civic initiatives aimed at environmental protection.
Ten active eco-volunteers were presented with cashback certificates providing the opportunity to travel free of charge on public transport.
Following the meeting, the participants agreed on the need to take scientific recommendations into account in further joint efforts to ensure the environmental safety of the Caspian Sea, protect water resources and preserve biodiversity.
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On August 15-16, the «LOTUSFEST-2026» festival will take place in the village of Tengiz in the Kurmangazy district.
Last year, the first time the festival was organized, about 5,000 tourists attended. This year that number is expected to double, with around 10,000 guests anticipated, the Regional Communications Service reports.
As part of the two-day festival, there will be concerts featuring pop stars, sports competitions, and various entertainment programs.
On the first day of the festival, a regional tourism competition will be held. Participants will spend the night on the festival grounds and take part in the following day's program.
On August 15, the «LOTUS FLOTILLA» boat parade will take place, along with the «LotusRUN» marathon. Runners will race from the village of Zhambyl to the festival grounds. This will be followed by the official opening ceremony of the festival.
The opening program will include a theatrical performance, appearances by ethno-folklore and choreographic ensembles, and a performance by Kazakh pop singer Kuandyk Rakhim.
At the evening gala concert, performances will be given by the group «MELOMEN», BYTANAT, ALKHAM, TURAR, and artists from the N. Zhanturin Regional Philharmonic.
– The festive program will continue on the second day of the festival as well. That day, visitors will be able to enjoy performances by Yerkebulan Kumar, Gadilbek Zhanai, NURLAN and MURAT, and the group «Zaman», said Muradym Muzafar, akim of the village of Tengiz.
On the festival grounds, there will be photo zones, a children's play area, a fair of craft artisans, trading pavilions, and a food court. Guests will be able to take boat rides and relax amid nature.
On August 6, 2026, a working group established under the Atyrau Regional Territorial Election Commission to ensure the electoral rights of persons with disabilities conducted monitoring of polling stations in the city of Atyrau.
The main purpose of the monitoring is to assess the accessibility of polling stations for citizens with disabilities as part of preparations for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan scheduled for August 23, 2026, and to monitor conditions for the unhindered exercise of their voting rights.
As part of the monitoring, the accessibility of polling stations will be assessed, including the availability of ramps, tactile signs, special equipment (parking signs, bells and directional signs), and informational materials, as well as the availability of appropriate facilities for citizens with hearing and visual impairments and wheelchair users (special areas).
A total of 428,127 citizens are included in the voter lists in the Atyrau region, including 3,244 persons with disabilities. Of these:
· 664 use wheelchairs;
· 848 have hearing impairments;
· 1,732 have visual impairments, including 111 voters who have Braille skills.
Working groups established under the Atyrau City and district territorial election commissions are also monitoring accessibility for citizens with disabilities at polling stations. Based on the results of the monitoring, relevant proposals will be made to address any identified deficiencies, and the necessary organizational measures will be taken before voting day.
During a working trip to the Zhylyoi district, Head of the Atyrau region Bolat Aksholakov reviewed the implementation of major projects and considered issues requiring prompt resolution.
The first facility visited was a 1,200-seat school in the city of Kulsary, which will open in the upcoming academic year. The educational institution, built as part of the national Comfortable School project, is located in the Atyrau microdistrict. The three-storey building has 52 classrooms, two sports grounds, two canteens, a 260-seat assembly hall, STEM and robotics classrooms, inclusive education facilities, as well as choreography halls. According to Almabek Abdolov, head of the Zhylyoi district education department, all conditions have been created at the school for students to receive a quality education.
“Inside the school, 114 CCTV cameras have been installed, with another 36 outside. A dedicated police post meeting the most modern requirements has also been equipped,” he said.
The Head of the region instructed officials to pay particular attention to the readiness of all premises and infrastructure for the start of the new academic year.
The next facility visited was the 145-bed Zhylyoi district central hospital. The hospital has therapeutic, surgical, pediatric, infectious disease and maternity departments, as well as intensive care beds.
According to Kaisar Abdaliev, Head of the Regional Healthcare Department, the new hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment. For the first time, residents of the district can undergo MRI examinations locally; previously, they had to travel to Atyrau for this service.
“Today, residents of Zhylyoi have access to MRI, laser therapy, urology and endocrinology services. Surgery and traumatology have now been combined into a single complex with an operating room, allowing patients to receive a full range of medical care under one roof. The hospital also has beds for treating burn patients. During the first six months of this year, more than 5,400 people received inpatient treatment. The hospital currently employs 133 doctors and 408 nurses,” K. Abdaliev noted.
According to Abdaliev, a burn specialist from Atyrau joined the district this year, making it possible to plan the opening of 12 beds and two specialized emergency beds.
Bolat Aksholakov supported the initiative and instructed officials to consider establishing a mobile hospital, a portable 50-bed medical complex designed to provide emergency care outside inpatient hospitals.
Particular attention was also paid to youth policy. The Head of the region visited the new Zhylyoi district Youth Centre. Renovation work began there in 2023 and was completed in November 2025. The main objective of the project is to create a modern and comfortable space where young residents of the district can implement their initiatives.
“There are 25,000 young people living in the district, accounting for 32% of the total population. Today, there are more than 100 volunteers and 20 specialists here. The new centre is an important space that will allow young people to implement their ideas. In the future, we will also develop the creative industries,” Dana Baimagambetova, Head of the district Youth Resource Centre, said.
In Kulsary, the head of the region also assessed the progress of the major renovation of the road bridge on U. Abdrakhmanov Street. Work began this year, with BUKA LLP serving as the contractor. The bridge is 150 metres long. To date, all 66 piles have been driven, and concreting has been completed on both sides of the bridge.
Bolat Aksholakov instructed the contractor not to allow haste to compromise quality and, if necessary, to additionally engage specialists, equipment and subcontractors.
The head of the region then familiarized himself with the 3,500-seat central stadium. The sports complex, with a total area of 4,700 square metres, includes a stadium, a covered area for matches and games in winter, a swimming pool, sports and fitness halls. Conditions have been created for football, futsal, basketball, swimming and volleyball. A boccia and tennis section for people with disabilities was recently opened.
Another area of sports development in the district is the opening of an official branch of FC Atyrau’s football academy in Kulsary. According to Zhumabek Karazhanov, Akim of the Zhylyoi district, this will increase children’s and teenagers’ interest in sports and give new impetus to the development of football in the district.
A significant part of the trip was devoted to protecting Kulsary from floods and ensuring the efficient use of water resources. Bolat Aksholakov reviewed the completed construction of a hydraulic sluice on the Zhem River, which will make it possible to regulate the flow of water into the Kursai Canal, reduce the risk of flooding during the flood season and provide farmers with irrigation water.
Zhumabek Karazhanov, Akim of the Zhylyoi district, said:
“The hydraulic sluice is 125 metres long and 4 metres high and can store up to 3,000 cubic metres of water. When necessary, the water will be directed into the Zhem River and the irrigation network. One of the key objectives is to fill Lake Kamyskоl. To this end, work has already been carried out to deepen 95 kilometres of the Zhem River and Kursai Canal, while 65 kilometres of protective dams have been constructed along the shoreline.”
Bolat Aksholakov was also presented with projects aimed at regulating the district’s water resources. These include the construction of two hydraulic sluices on the Zhem River — near the railway bridge on the western side of Shokpartogai village and on the northwestern side of Turgyzba village; clearing a 23.6-kilometre-long and 20-metre-wide branch of the Kur-Zhem River, followed by the construction of a new sluice to increase the river’s capacity and reduce the risk of flooding; and the construction of a reservoir at the Araltobe site along the Zhem River with a capacity of 220 million cubic metres. A feasibility study has already been developed for the latter project.
The akim of the region noted that the implementation of the projects would be considered taking into account the region’s financial capabilities.
During the trip, the Head of the region visited the emergency-condition Saltanat nursery-kindergarten, designed for 280 children. The facility was commissioned in 2021, but its operation was suspended following the floods of 2024. According to a technical inspection report, the building, with an area of more than 3,700 square metres, was declared unsafe.
Issues concerning school infrastructure were also identified. In Turgyzba village, a new 600-seat school needs to be built to replace the five old buildings of School No. 4 named after M. Auezov, constructed in 1976 and having a physical deterioration rate of 66%. In Kulsary, a new 300-seat primary school building is required for School No. 15 named after S. Karabalin to replace the unsafe building dating back to 1950.
Bolat Aksholakov reviewed the documentation for both facilities and instructed the district akim to work out solutions and submit proposals.
The Head of the region also visited Aman Esen, a peasant farm that has been operating in the district since 2007 and provides permanent employment to 12 people. The farm grows melons and gourds, eggplants and peppers and produces up to 30 tonnes of meat and 50 tonnes of dairy products annually. The district akim and specialists were also instructed to promptly resolve electricity and water supply issues, conduct water studies and take soil samples. Taking into account the farm’s land resources, Bolat Aksholakov also instructed officials to explore opportunities for its expansion, including the construction of a workshop for processing agricultural products.
In Shokpartogai village, the akim was presented with the work of the livestock slaughter and meat canning facility operated by Elyrys IE. The project was launched in 2024 under the Aul Amanaty programme at an interest rate of 2.5%. The facility has the capacity to produce up to 1,000 cans of canned meat per day, supplying the local market with domestically produced goods. Bolat Aksholakov emphasized the importance of developing such enterprises and assured that the region would provide the necessary support if the facility is expanded.
Head of the Atyrau region Bolat Aksholakov visited key investment, social and infrastructure facilities during a working trip to the Makat district, assessed the progress of projects and gave a number of instructions to address pressing issues in the district.
The first facility visited by Bolat Aksholakov was the Eurasia private industrial zone, which is being constructed along the Atyrau–Dossor highway with the participation of Chinese investors. The project is being implemented on an area of 261 hectares and is scheduled to run until 2031. Due to its advantageous geographical location, the industrial zone is focused on exporting products to Russia, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The creation of the industrial zone is expected to generate around 6,000 new jobs and become one of the key drivers of the development of the petrochemical cluster in the Atyrau region.
According to Veibo Lan, Deputy Director of EurasiaStroyKapital LLP, the industrial zone is planned to accommodate equipment for the petrochemical industry, pipe and construction products, paints and coatings, energy-efficient technologies, reinforced concrete products and sodium-ion batteries, as well as projects aimed at combating desertification and processing biomass. At the same time, the company has launched an environmental project to restore degraded land.
“At an experimental site covering 500 hectares, we are carrying out work to restore desert soils. This will make it possible to begin greening saline areas of the Atyrau region. In addition, the annual burning of reeds causes serious environmental damage. We are considering the possibility of processing biomass, which could subsequently be used as organic fertilizer and raw material for the production of kerosene,” Veibo Lan said.
Summing up the meeting, Bolat Aksholakov assured investors of the full support of the regional akimat.
“All companies implementing projects in the region must be registered in the Atyrau region so that tax revenues remain in the local budget. For our part, we are ready to provide the necessary assistance: allocate land plots, provide engineering infrastructure and support project implementation. Our task is not to create obstacles for business, but to help it develop. At the same time, priority should be given to training and employing local residents so that the region receives not only investment but also qualified personnel,” the head of the region emphasized.
The next facility visited during the working trip was the Makat College of Oil and Gas Technology, which has been training specialists for the oil and gas, industrial and energy sectors since 1940.
Today, about 250 students are studying at the college in six specialties and ten qualifications. The educational institution is equipped with modern facilities, including nine production workshops, a training ground for the oil industry and a chemical laboratory. Students study the structure of industrial equipment and acquire skills in metalworking, the manufacture of fasteners and operating modern machinery.
As noted by college director Aibolat Doldashev, particular attention is paid to the practical training of future specialists. The educational institution cooperates with three enterprises in the Makat district, where students undergo industrial internships and become familiar with real production processes.
“We regularly hold joint round tables, training programmes and practical sessions. Thanks to modern equipment, our students acquire the necessary professional skills while still studying and are ready to start working in production immediately after graduation,” Aibolat Doldashev said.
During the meeting, the college administration asked Bolat Aksholakov to assist in establishing direct cooperation with QazaqGaz NC JSC. According to the teaching staff, the participation of the national company in developing educational programmes would make it possible to train at least 300 qualified workers and engineers for future gas processing plants and gas chemical complexes.
Bolat Aksholakov supported the initiative of the college administration and noted that the training of qualified personnel should be carried out in close cooperation with major employers. The Head of the region emphasized that such partnerships would make it possible to train in-demand specialists based on the needs of new production facilities and provide young people with employment opportunities in the region.
The akim of the region also visited a three-storey, 60-apartment residential building whose construction began in 2021 by Dan-Stroy-Baza-LTD LLP. Following a technical inspection, specialists identified serious defects in the foundation blocks that had adversely affected the load-bearing structures of the building. As a result, the facility was declared unsafe and unfit for further use. Bolat Aksholakov emphasized that public safety is an absolute priority.
The Head of the region reviewed the technical documentation and the results of the building inspection, after which he instructed the responsible government bodies to thoroughly consider possible solutions and submit relevant proposals.
During the working trip, Bolat Aksholakov also visited the Makat district Youth Resource Centre. Although the centre was opened in 2020, its current premises no longer meet the needs of young people and require replacement. Design and estimate documentation for the construction of a new building has already been developed. The Head of the region noted that he supports the need to implement the project and instructed officials to consider its financing based on the capabilities of the regional budget.
The next facility on the working trip was the railway station in the village of Makat, where Bolat Aksholakov reviewed the results of the building’s major renovation and platform reconstruction. Reconstruction work began in autumn 2022. As part of the project, the first and second platforms, with a total area of about 6,000 square metres, were completely renovated, a 200-metre-long canopy, 30 retail pavilions and 40 modern lighting poles were installed. Comfortable and safe conditions have been created for passengers and employees. According to Makat district akim Azamat Mambetov, Makat is one of the country’s largest railway hubs, and the improvement of the station area is therefore planned to continue.
“To mark the 100th anniversary of the railway industry, we want to present the residents of Makat with a new landscaped park near the railway station. The adjacent area is planned to be landscaped, paved with paving stones and equipped with comfortable recreation areas for residents,” A. Mambetov said.
Bolat Aksholakov then visited the Makat district central hospital, designed for 250 visits per shift. The medical institution was built as part of the 100 Schools, 100 Hospitals state programme and currently provides primary healthcare, consultative and diagnostic, inpatient, rehabilitation and emergency medical services. More than 50 doctors currently work at the hospital. At the same time, the district administration considers it necessary to construct an additional three-storey, 50-bed building.
“We need to build a new 50-bed building for the district hospital and integrate it with the existing medical complex. The old building is planned to be demolished. The project has already been developed, and by the end of the year we expect to receive a positive conclusion from the state expert review. The construction cost is approximately 5.5 billion tenge. A trauma department is planned to be opened in the new building and the surgical service expanded. This is particularly important given the high accident rate on the national highway, where a large number of road accidents occur every year,” Azamat Mambetov said.
Bolat Aksholakov, in turn, supported the initiative to construct the new hospital building and noted that the project is of significant social importance for residents of the Makat district. The Head of the region instructed officials to work out mechanisms for its implementation, including with the involvement of sponsorship support.
The akim of the region also familiarized himself with the work of the district Social Office. A 413-square-metre building houses, under a one-stop-shop principle, the Career Centre, Family Support Centre, Otbasy Bank, utility services and a representative office of GPC Investment LLP. This format allows residents to receive several government and social services in one place. In the future, a separate business support centre is planned to be opened here based on the same principle.
The final facility visited during the working trip was the Makat district police department. The building, commissioned in 1987, is now significantly worn out. Its engineering systems, particularly the heating system, are outdated and do not meet modern requirements. In addition, the facility was originally designed as a kindergarten, so its current layout does not meet the needs of the police department. The department currently employs 96 officers, but the staff is expected to increase to 200 in the coming years. The department’s management also presented a proposal to construct a new standard police building in accordance with modern standards. The meeting also addressed issues related to strengthening public safety in the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark special economic zone and constructing a new police support post.
Concluding the working trip, Bolat Aksholakov noted that the development of the Makat district must be comprehensive, ranging from the implementation of major investment projects to the modernization of social and engineering infrastructure. The Head of the region instructed officials to keep the implementation of all assigned tasks under constant control and ensure the timely implementation of the planned projects.