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Aviation

Rare Antonov An-124 Cargo Plane Makes Brief Stop in Tashkent

A rare sight drew the attention of aviation enthusiasts in Tashkent this week as an Antonov An-124-100M Ruslan, one of the world’s largest serially produced cargo aircraft, landed at Islam Karimov International Airport. According to Tashkent Sky News, the aircraft arrived from Urumqi and was registered as UR-82027. Notably, it bore the inscription “Be brave like Kharkiv”, a tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian city under Russia's invasion. The An-124 remains a global leader in transporting oversized and heavy cargo. Capable of carrying between 120 and 150 tons, it features a cargo hold with a volume of approximately 1,050 cubic meters. The aircraft is equipped with both nose and tail cargo doors, each with built-in ramps, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading from either end, an advantage for complex logistics operations involving large or irregularly shaped equipment. Its robust design includes heavy-duty, multi-wheel landing gear, enabling it to land on less-developed airstrips. This operational flexibility makes the An-124 especially valuable in situations where access to major international airports is limited. Members of the Uzbekistan Spotters Team gathered at the airport to capture images of the aircraft during its brief stay. For local aviation enthusiasts, the visit offered a rare opportunity to photograph an iconic aircraft and share the experience with the global spotting community.

Science

Almaty Scientists Develop Innovative Method to Extract Valuable Materials from Agricultural Waste

Researchers at Satbayev University in Almaty have unveiled an innovative technology that extracts high-value materials from sugar beet pulp, the primary byproduct of sugar production, accounting for up to 80% of all biomass. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Sana Kabdrakhmanova, postdoctoral researcher Faisal Kholiya and PhD student Meruert Imanbek employed advanced hydrothermal synthesis techniques to derive high-quality pectin suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, cellulose with a yield of approximately 35%, and photoluminescent carbon quantum dots ranging from 8 to 14 nanometres, all from sugar beet waste. The extracted materials have diverse applications, including product shelf-life extension technologies, drug delivery systems, modern diagnostic medicine, and various nanotechnology solutions. “Our project is a striking example of the transformation of agricultural waste into high-quality, premium materials,” said Kabdrakhmanova, who leads the project. The research was conducted at the International R&D Center for Advanced Functional Materials and Composites, part of the Department of Chemical Processes and Industrial Ecology at the Omirkhan Baikonurov Institute of Mining and Metallurgy at Satbayev University. The findings underscore the potential of agricultural waste processing as both a sustainable and economically viable approach. Particular attention has been given to the photoluminescent carbon quantum dots produced through the project. These nanoscale particles are used in medical diagnostics, biological sensors for cellular research, LED components in electronics, and nanodevices in photonics. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakh scientists are actively pursuing other innovative recycling technologies. One such project, led by the Kazakh Road Research Institute, involves developing methods to restore worn asphalt for reuse in road repair and construction.

World Nomad Games

Kyrgyzstan Secures Exclusive Rights to World Nomad Games Brand

On December 9, Kyrgyzstan officially received the exclusive rights to the World Nomad Games trademark in a formal handover ceremony attended by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. Over the years, the Games have evolved into a major international festival showcasing Central Asia’s rich cultural traditions through events featuring birds of prey, equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, and displays of physical skill and endurance. The rights were transferred by Askhat Akibayev, the founder of the World Nomad Games and former Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kyrgyz Government in the Issyk-Kul region. Kasymaliev praised Akibayev’s foundational role in developing the Games into a globally recognized cultural and sporting event. “Over the past decade, the World Nomad Games have become one of the largest global platforms for promoting ethnic culture, the values of nomadic civilization, and traditional sports,” he said. “Today, this project is a true national brand for Kyrgyzstan, the flagship of our state’s cultural diplomacy, and an important symbol of our international authority.” Launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the World Nomad Games aim to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The inaugural Games were held in September 2014 in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Kyrgyzstan also hosted the second and third editions in 2016 and 2018. The 2022 Games were held in Turkey, and the 2024 edition took place in Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan will host the sixth World Nomad Games from August 31 to September 6, 2026.

Tourism

South Korea Sees Surge in Tourist Interest in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is emerging as a leading travel destination in Central Asia for South Korean tourists, with interest surging by 295% from January to October 2025, according to data from the digital tourism platform Agoda. Kazakh Tourism, the national tourism company, said that the data reflects a sharp rise not only in actual visits, measured through accommodation bookings but also in search queries for travel to Kazakhstan. The increased availability of direct flights between the two countries has played a significant role in this growth. Agoda reports that the launch of the Incheon-Almaty route by Eastar Jet boosted interest in Almaty, with search activity jumping by 348%. Shymkent, located in southern Kazakhstan, also saw an 89% rise in interest from South Korean travelers. This increase coincides with the May launch of a direct Incheon-Shymkent flight by SCAT Airlines. Meanwhile, Air Astana has expanded its services with more frequent flights from Seoul to both Almaty and Astana. “We are seeing a clear increase in interest among South Korean travelers in destinations that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity, with Central Asia standing out as a region of growing interest,” said Jay Lee, Agoda’s regional director for North Asia. Interest from South Korea is part of a broader regional trend. Agoda reported a 225% rise in search activity for the four main Central Asian destinations, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, compared to the same period last year. Kazakh Tourism noted that it has been actively promoting the country’s tourism potential in South Korea through B2B meetings and information tours aimed at fostering cooperation between leading tour operators. While Agoda’s figures highlight a significant uptick in online interest, Kazakh Tourism’s own data shows more moderate growth in actual tourist arrivals. From January to September 2025, the number of South Korean visitors to Kazakhstan rose by 25% year-on-year, reaching over 41,300 people. This made South Korea the fifth-largest source of tourists to Kazakhstan, following China (693,000 visitors, up 42%), India (113,000), Turkey (over 103,000), and Germany (more than 81,000). According to the Border Service, Kazakhstan welcomed more than 12.2 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2025, 730,000 more than during the same period in 2024. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has also taken the regional lead in medical tourism this year, surpassing its Eurasian neighbors in growth and infrastructure development.

Dimash Kudaibergen

Kazakh Singer Dimash Kudaibergen Named UN Global Goodwill Ambassador

On December 8, during the annual session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council in Geneva, world-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen was officially appointed a Global Goodwill Ambassador. The announcement, highlighted on the artist’s official website, reflects his “long-standing commitment to supporting people in crisis situations.” Kudaibergen had previously served as the IOM’s Regional Goodwill Ambassador since 2024, using his global platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing migrants, promote their integration, and participate in various humanitarian efforts. His engagement with the IOM deepened in 2025. The artist took part in the organization's Ramadan campaign, voiced strong opposition to human trafficking, and met with IOM Director General Amy Pope to reaffirm his support for ongoing humanitarian programs. Throughout his global “Stranger” tour, Kudaibergen championed messages of inclusivity and sustainability, performing in cities including New York, Mexico City, Barcelona, London, and Berlin. More than 100,000 attendees around the world heard his call to support the IOM’s mission. His performance of the iconic composition “S.O.S d’un terrien en détresse” at the Council meeting became an emotional highlight of the session. “Dimash uses his voice not only to touch the hearts of his listeners, but also to help people affected by crises to be heard and seen,” said Pope, praising the artist’s impact. Addressing member state delegations, Kudaibergen said, “Receiving the title of Global Goodwill Ambassador is an incredible honor. I accept it with great humility and a strong sense of responsibility.” The IOM, established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and joined the United Nations system in 2016. Over the years, other UN Goodwill Ambassadors have included Angelina Jolie, Shakira, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi. Dimash Kudaibergen is a People's Artist of Kazakhstan (2023) and Kyrgyzstan (2025). Known for his extraordinary vocal range spanning seven octaves and seven semitones (G0 to D8), he blends pop, opera, and traditional Kazakh musical elements in his performances.

Transport

Kazakhstan Prepares Road Infrastructure for Driverless Transport

Kazakhstan is developing a system of digital passports for its inter-city highways as part of broader efforts to prepare the country’s infrastructure for the eventual integration of autonomous vehicles. The initiative was announced by Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev during a recent government meeting. “Digital road passports are being developed, which will allow for the introduction of driverless cars in the future,” Sauranbayev said. “Road diagnostics are carried out annually using artificial intelligence technologies. In particular, the installation of automated measuring stations is continuing, up to 220 units, to preserve the road surface. To date, 71 units of such equipment have been put into operation.” Sauranbayev highlighted a related pilot project, “Smart Customs,” launched this summer at the Kazakhstan-China border crossing between Bakhty (Kazakhstan) and Pokitu (China). The initiative enables cargo to cross the border in unmanned trucks, a move expected to increase cargo throughput and speed up customs procedures. According to Sauranbayev, digital tools are expected to increase road capacity by 20% and reduce border crossing times to around 10 minutes. Speaking at a later briefing, Sauranbayev clarified that the driverless truck pilot, currently limited to select border crossings, is intended to be expanded across Kazakhstan’s entire external border by 2027. This includes crossings with EAEU member states such as Russia and Kyrgyzstan. “We have such a program. I think it will be very significant for Kazakhstan’s transit potential,” he said. Sauranbayev added that the use of unmanned trucks will help reduce logistics costs, as autonomous vehicles can operate continuously, potentially tripling delivery speeds. “Driverless taxis are already in use globally, and the transition to autonomous freight transport is only a matter of time,” he noted. “That is why, when we build roads, we are already integrating the necessary sensors to allow driverless vehicles to travel freely across Kazakhstan.” Simultaneously, the government is upgrading internal border checkpoints. Work on 37 facilities is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. So far this year, 13,000 kilometers of road have undergone construction or repairs, part of a national network that spans approximately 95,000 kilometers. To alleviate pressure on the state budget, Kazakhstan is expanding its toll road network. The KazToll system has collected $156.5 million to date. The Ministry of Transport reported a 20.7% year-on-year increase in transport services in the first ten months of 2025. Road transport accounted for 288 million tons of cargo, up 1.7% from the same period last year. Transit traffic rose 5% to 29.4 million tons. Currently, transport companies from 42 countries operate transit routes through Kazakhstan. “Automated load measurement stations on highways have increased both the detection of violations and budget revenues tenfold,” Sauranbayev added. “As a result of integration with the General Prosecutor’s Office, more than 10,000 fine payment orders were issued in the first five months of this year.” In 2024, Kazakhstan launched two major infrastructure projects: the Trans-Kazakhstan railway corridor and the Center-West highway, which will connect Astana to the country’s western regions.