Year: 2026

MADRID, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 21 October, the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid hosted Shamshi Alemi, a concert celebrating renowned Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov. His songs were performed in Spanish for the first time, opening a concert series across Madrid, Paris, and New York under the international cultural project “Shamshi 100.”

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

Organised by the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation with the support of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, the project marks the upcoming centenary of Kaldayakov’s birth. Its aim is to introduce international audiences to his work, showcase Kazakhstan’s musical heritage, and strengthen cultural ties between countries. The concert was held in celebration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Day, with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Spain.

The evening welcomed over 350 guests, including Spanish government officials, diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora and students. The programme featured Spanish-language versions of the composer’s best-known songs, including Anim sen edin, Ana turaly zhyr, Qaidasyn, Syr suluyi and Baqyt qushagynda, performed by soloists from the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre with the Madrid Festival Orchestra.

“A concert ahead of the Republic of Kazakhstan Day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Spanish audiences to Kazakh culture and musical heritage. Performing them in Spanish opens this music to a new audience. I am confident that the Shamshi Alemi concert will help strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Spain,” said Danat Mussayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spain.

“Shamshi Kaldayakov’s songs are widely known and loved in Kazakhstan. It was especially rewarding to see how warmly Spanish audiences embraced this music. We thank the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation for helping bring Kaldayakov’s legacy to international audiences,” said Mukhtar Kaldayakov, the composer’s son and head of the Shamshi Alemi Public Foundation.

As part of the project, 20 songs have been adapted into Spanish, French and English. The tour continues in Paris on 24 October and New York on 28 October.

“It is an honour to introduce international audiences to the King of the Kazakh Waltz. Sharing Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage internationally remains an important priority for us,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, established in 2014, has allocated over US$250 million across healthcare, education, culture, environment and regional development in Kazakhstan.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shamshi-kaldayakovs-songs-performed-in-spanish-in-madrid-for-the-first-time-with-support-of-the-bulat-utemuratov-foundation-302917143.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World tennis star Andrey Rublev met with ten children from the Asyl Miras Autism Center during the Almaty Open ATP 250 tournament. The initiative, organised by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), continues a longstanding tradition of bringing professional players together with children from Asyl Miras center. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation runs 13 autism centers across 12 cities in Kazakhstan, providing free, comprehensive support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

“It is particularly important to us that children with ASD have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of life, including sports. Meetings like these help broaden the understanding of inclusion not only among children but also throughout society. Spending time with professional athletes is a meaningful experience for the children and another step toward creating a more open and inclusive environment,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

On the court, Rublev and children took part in adapted ball-and-racket exercises, accuracy drills, and other activities designed by specialists from Asyl Miras and the KTF to ensure every child could discover tennis in a relaxed and engaging way. The event gave the children a chance to experience something new and take part in a shared sporting activity, while allowing Rublev to learn more about autism and how to interact with children with ASD.

“It was a great experience. First of all, it’s always a pleasure to spend time with children. They teach you so much, and there’s always something special about being part of that playful atmosphere. My mother is also a tennis coach, so I’ve been on the court since I was very young and grew up watching how coaches work with young children. Every charitable initiative is incredibly meaningful, and everyone connects with it in their own way. But the most important thing is simply to do something good,” said Andrey Rublev.

Professional tennis players have supported the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s initiatives on numerous occasions. Over the years, Asyl Miras Autism Centers have welcomed Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik and many others. Continuing this tradition, Rublev presented the children with tennis rackets after the event so they could continue playing tennis and putting their newly acquired skills into practice.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/andrey-rublev-meets-children-from-the-bulat-utemuratov-foundations-asyl-miras-autism-center-302914334.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kazakhstan is proud to have hosted the annual World Tennis General Assembly in Almaty from 10 to 13 October. Held in Central Asia for the first time, the event brought together leaders and representatives of national federations, international and continental tennis organisations, industry experts and partners.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

Meetings of the World Tennis Board of Directors were held on 10-11 October. More than 262 delegates from 137 countries participated in panel sessions and voting proceedings from 11 to 13 October.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

The ceremony began with the address from the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the participants of the General Assembly. The presidential address was delivered by the Mayor of Almaty, Darkhan Satybaldy, who also officially opened the Assembly.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

World Tennis President David Haggerty was awarded Kazakhstan’s Order of Dostyk, Second Degree. The award was presented by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in recognition of Haggerty’s longstanding contribution to the development of tennis and the strengthening of international cooperation through sport.

Hosting the assembly in Almaty reflects the international tennis community’s strong confidence in Kazakhstan and the growing standing of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, led by World Tennis Vice President Bulat Utemuratov.

For Almaty, the forum offered an opportunity to showcase the city’s sports infrastructure and tennis traditions to representatives from 137 countries. The assembly facilitates the exchange of expertise, direct dialogue between federation leaders and the development of new international partnerships.

During the General Assembly, World Tennis President David Haggerty presented Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, with the Award for Services to the Game. The award recognises outstanding, long-standing contributions to the development and promotion of tennis internationally. This recognition reflects Bulat Utemuratov’s many years of work in developing tennis in Kazakhstan, building modern sports infrastructure, supporting young talent and strengthening the country’s position in the global tennis community.

This award came alongside Kazakhstan’s coach education system being recognised at Gold level an outstanding recognition of the country’s coaching programmes.

The centrepiece of the programme was the World Tennis General Assembly meeting on 13 October.

The General Assembly is a major forum for discussing the development of tennis worldwide. Participants addressed ways to make the sport more accessible, develop junior tennis, improve sports infrastructure, train coaches and officials, and organise international competitions.

Particular attention was given to supporting national federations and strengthening international cooperation. Delegates reviewed progress, discussed strategic initiatives and identified priorities that will guide the development of tennis across countries and regions.

“Hosting this crucial assembly shows the vital role Kazakhstan is playing in global tennis and is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation. It was a pleasure to host my fellow representatives and work on the issues that will shape the future of tennis across the globe” said Bulat Utemuratov President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation and Vice President of the International Tennis Federation.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/almaty-hosts-world-tennis-general-assembly-shaping-the-future-of-global-tennis-302910120.html

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Tennis has officially recognised the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s coach education system at Gold level. The recognition confirms that the system meets international quality standards and is valid until 31 December 2030.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of the documentation submitted by the Federation. Kazakhstan’s coach education system has met all the criteria established by World Tennis and its Coaches Commission for Gold-level recognition.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

Gold status confirms that the Federation can independently provide coach education and certification up to High Performance level, equipping coaches to work with high-level athletes. This recognition demonstrates that the education system meets international requirements for training quality and professional coaching competencies.

In an official letter dated 9 October 2026 and addressed to Kazakhstan Tennis Federation President Bulat Utemuratov, World Tennis Executive Director for International Relations and Development Erik Poel congratulated the Federation on achieving Gold status.

The recognition also grants the Federation the right to use the World Tennis logo on its coach education materials and resources, including coach licence cards.

Achieving Gold-level recognition marks an important outcome of the Federation’s sustained work to develop coach education. Training qualified professionals provides a foundation for improving the quality of coaching, developing children’s and junior tennis, and supporting the continued progress of Kazakhstani players.

Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation said: “I’m incredibly proud that the Federation has achieved this recognition. We’ve invested significantly in our coaching programmes and it is great to see the results of that.

“We have brilliant coaches across Kazakhstan and this recognition will further support their work as we look to develop the next generation of talent. I’d like to personally thank everyone involved for their hard work.

“We’ve seen our current stars achieve amazing feats recently and this recognition and our outstanding coaching system will allow this to continue.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kazakhstans-coach-education-system-awarded-gold-level-recognition-by-world-tennis-302908698.html?tc=eml_cleartime

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Beeline Kazakhstan, in partnership with Starlink Mobile, is launching satellite mobile connectivity based on Direct to Cell technology. The technology will allow users to access selected communication services on compatible smartphones beyond the coverage of terrestrial mobile networks.

The introduction of Starlink Mobile is the result of agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States in 2025.

Photo Credit: Beeline Kazakhstan

“In autumn 2025, during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States, Kazakhstan reached an agreement on the introduction of Starlink Mobile (Direct to Cell) satellite connectivity. Today, we are seeing this agreement become a reality. Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia where Direct to Cell has undergone practical testing and is now moving to the user service stage,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The technology provides a direct connection between a compatible smartphone and Starlink Mobile satellites without the need for a dedicated satellite phone, external antenna or additional equipment. Users will be able to send and receive messages, as well as access to select apps in areas without terrestrial mobile network coverage. For Beeline Kazakhstan customers, the service will be available free of charge during the promotional period.

For Kazakhstan, with its vast territory, satellite mobile connectivity is of particular importance, creating additional opportunities for communication from hard-to-reach areas and where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged.

“Beeline has been operating in Kazakhstan for more than twenty years, and throughout this time we have consistently invested in the development of connectivity and new technologies. Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world by territory, and distance should not become a barrier to people’s access to modern technologies. The development of digital infrastructure is a long-term investment in the country’s competitiveness and quality of life and we are proud to be able to support this crucial infrastructure development,” said Kazakhstani businessman and investor of the Verny Capital Group, Bulat Utemuratov.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starlink-satellite-to-mobile-service-launched-in-kazakhstan-302896175.html?tc=eml_cleartime

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation will become a regional partner of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) and will establish a hub for the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The new platform will bring together the expertise of international and regional organizations to develop systemic support for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The hub’s primary objective will be to adapt and implement international practices in line with the specific characteristics of the countries in the region. It will unite specialists, relevant organizations, and government representatives to facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote broader access to evidence-based approaches, research, and data.

GAAC was established in 2025 at the United Nations headquarters in New York with the participation of Qatar Foundation, Autism Speaks, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation was a founding member of the Coalition. The creation of the regional hub marks the next stage of the Foundation’s cooperation with GAAC and will enable the further advancement of the Coalition’s initiatives.

The regional GAAC model for Central Asia and the South Caucasus was presented by Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, in New York in September 2026, during the UN General Assembly.

“For the sustainable development of support systems for people with autism, it is not enough to have proven solutions – it is equally important to create the conditions for their adaptation and implementation in accordance with national and regional contexts,” said Almaz Sharman.

The foundation for this work will be the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s many years of experience implementing the ‘Autism. One World for All’ program under which 13 Asyl Miras autism centers operate across 12 cities in Kazakhstan, supporting more than 17,500 children with ASD. The program encompasses the development of diagnostics and early intervention, specialist training, and the introduction of new support models.

“In recent years, Kazakhstan has accumulated significant practical experience in supporting children with autism and their families, in large part thanks to the specialists at the Asyl Miras autism centers. It is important to us that the knowledge gained in Kazakhstan becomes part of the international dialogue,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO, Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-bulat-utemuratov-foundation-and-gaac-to-establish-a-regional-autism-hub-for-central-asia-and-the-south-caucasus-302892912.html

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation unveiled the deployment of 460 million tenge, (around USD 1 million) towards the gasification of residential private properties in Almaty. Undertaken in collaboration with the Akimat of the city of Almaty (Office of the Mayor), the joint venture seeks to upgrade city infrastructure, elevate residential living standards, and boost air quality across the city.

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

The Akimat of the city of Almaty, has agreed to examine private properties, liaise with occupants on the connection process and deliver thorough guidance around the shift to natural gas heating. The required building and system installation work will then be handled by certified contractors.

Darkhan Satybaldy, Akim (Mayor) of Almaty, emphasized: “We continue targeted work to connect private homes to the city’s gas supply network. The requirements may vary in each case, which is why it is important to comprehensively support residents, from consultations to the actual connection, alongside technical work. The support of socially responsible businesses allows us to broaden this initiative.”

Throughout colder months, private residences using carbon-heavy fuels for heating are considerable contributors to air pollution. Moving these homes away from coal to natural gas is a key component in strengthening the air quality of Almaty.

Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, noted: “It is important for us to support a project aimed at developing urban infrastructure and creating more comfortable conditions for the residents of Almaty. The gasification of the private sector will enable families who are not yet connected to the gas supply system to transition to a modern heating method. We are delighted to support this city initiative.”

This gasification project further represents the Foundation’s enduring support for Almaty. Prior to this initiative, the Foundation enabled the upgrade of ventilation and air conditioning infrastructure at the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an extensive redevelopment of the Botanical Garden and the inauguration of one of the first Asyl Miras Autism Centers. As well as these projects, the Foundation reinforced the local healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the delivery of mobile laboratories designed to carry out PCR testing.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bulat-utemuratov-foundation-allocates-460-million-tenge-to-support-almaty-gasification-project-302872126.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Narxoz Business School has officially received joint accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), cementing its position among the world’s leading business schools. This dual recognition places Narxoz in the top 2% of global business education providers, alongside elite institutions such as INSEAD, London Business School, and HEC Paris.

Awarded following a rigorous evaluation by international academic leaders, the accreditation recognizes Narxoz’s commitment to high standards, innovation, and continuous development.

Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of AMBA and BGA, said: “I am delighted that Narxoz Business School has received joint AMBA and BGA accreditation. This recognition reflects the school’s commitment to high standards, innovation, and the continuous development of business education. The commission was impressed by the university’s strong academic heritage, its contribution to Kazakhstan’s overall development, and the leadership’s dedication to creating a world-class educational environment for students, alumni, and the business community.”

For Narxoz University, the milestone validates a multi-year transformation into a modern, globally competitive institution. The evaluating commission specifically highlighted the impact of the school’s International Advisory Board and its newly modernized campus infrastructure.

Kanat Kozhakhmet, President of Narxoz University, commented: “This landmark achievement confirms Narxoz’s unique ability to drive deep transformation and achieve results that meet the highest international standards. It was made possible through the long-term vision and support of our shareholder Bulat Utemuratov alongside the professionalism of our team, faculty, alumni, and partners.”

While AMBA evaluates specific program quality, including teaching standards and employer engagement, BGA assesses broader institutional strategy, culture, and societal impact.

Gulnara Kurenkeyeva, Dean of Narxoz Business School, said: “The true value of these dual accreditations is the continuous quality control. We will regularly update our curriculum, assessment methods, and technology to reflect market shifts and employer feedback, ensuring our training remains directly connected to real-world business challenges.”

Over the past 17 years, Narxoz Business School has trained over 3,000 top managers and entrepreneurs across its MBA, Executive MBA, DBA, and corporate programs. As a result of this accreditation, students and alumni will now receive complimentary lifetime membership in the global AMBA community, granting them access to a powerful network of 80,000 professionals across 150 countries.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/narxoz-business-school-earns-prestigious-joint-amba-and-bga-accreditation-joining-top-2-of-business-schools-worldwide-302869013.html?tc=eml_cleartime

• Narxoz University ranked first in Kazakhstan and Central Asia for Employment Outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2027
• University enters the global top-200 in this category, placing it among the top 15% of ranked institutions worldwide
• Dual-degree programs with Queen’s University Belfast, Illinois Tech, Mykolas Romeris University and La Rochelle University support graduate competitiveness globally

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Narxoz University has retained its position as the leading university in Kazakhstan and Central Asia for graduate employment outcomes, according to the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university has also entered the global top-200 in the Employment Outcomes category, placing it among the top 15% of more than 1,500 institutions evaluated worldwide.

The result reflects Narxoz University’s model of connecting academic study directly to labor market demand. Employers and industry experts are involved in shaping curricula and students engage with real-world projects, complete professional internships and build their portfolios. The university also recorded improvements across internationalization indicators, with advances in the Faculty Student Ratio and International Student Ratio band rankings, both rising from 701-800 to 501-600.

International exposure is further extended through dual-degree programs with Queen’s University Belfast, Illinois Tech, Mykolas Romeris University and La Rochelle University, enabling graduates to validate their qualifications to international standards and build professional networks beyond Kazakhstan.

Narxoz University’s overall position of 1001–1200 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 reflects continued progress in its transformation into a university capable of competing internationally for students, faculty and academic partnerships.

Kanat Kozhakhmet, President of Narxoz University, commented: “The value of a degree is measured through a graduate’s development throughout an entire career. We see education as the foundation of a long and purposeful professional journey. We are grateful to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for its consistent policy and strong support, which helps universities strengthen their connection to the labor market and build a solid foundation for students’ professional development.”

Bulat Utemuratov, shareholder of Narxoz University, commented: “As a graduate of Narxoz myself, this recognition means a great deal. Our strategy has always been to develop Narxoz into a leading university with global recognition, and being ranked among the world’s top 200 for graduate employment outcomes is powerful confirmation that we are on the right track.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/narxoz-university-ranks-1-in-central-asia-for-employment-outcomes-entering-global-top-200-302850766.html?tc=eml_cleartime