Kazakhstan repatriates over 4,600 citizens from Middle East
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The Kazakh Transport, together with concerned government agencies, organizations, and both domestic and foreign airlines, continues efforts to evacuate Kazakh citizens from Middle Eastern countries, Qazinform News Agency reports.
As of March 7, a total of 27 flights were operated to bring back 4,659 passengers since the escalation in the region.
On March 5-6, 2026, four airlines operated 15 flights, evacuating 2,549 passengers.
Air Astana performed three flights on route Jeddah - Atyrau - Almaty, SCAT one flight en route Muscat - Almaty and FlyDubai operated seven flights (five to Almaty, two to Astana). Air Arabia also carried out four flights from Sharjah to Almaty. The Ministry noted that evacuation work continues depending on the evolving situation in the region.
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Head of State congratulates Kazakhstani women on International Women’s Day
Images | Akorda
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at a ceremony dedicated to International Women’s Day, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
My heartiest congratulations to you on this wonderful spring holiday - International Women’s Day! This holiday embodies tenderness and warmth, wisdom and beauty. Woman is the unshakable pillar of life and the true source of prosperity. This is an axiom. The heart of a woman, who with her own hands rocks both the cradle and the world, is the sanctuary of virtue. Therefore, the following statement is true: to honor Woman is to honor the entire Nation. Today at the Akorda, I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to you and to all women of Kazakhstan. Throughout history, our people have exalted mothers, safeguarded sisters, and treated daughters with special respect, holding them in the highest esteem. Since time immemorial, the sacred values of our people have been inseparably linked to the image of Ana - the Mother: Otan Ana (Motherland), Jer Ana (Mother Earth), and Ana Tili (Mother Tongue). Ancient wisdom says: 'From ancestors comes the guidance; from the mother comes virtue.' This tradition, which has profound meaning, must certainly be carried forward in our changing and challenging times.This is our duty to future generations. After all, it is through maternal care and upbringing that our national code, language, spirituality, and traditions are instilled in the minds of children," the Head of State noted.
According to the President, history has seen many women who, alongside men, held high the banner of courage and patriotism.
The strong-spirited and brave daughters of the steppe have left an indelible mark on history. The names of Queen Tomyris, Aisha-Bibi, Domalak Ana, Suyumbike, Khanum Ayganym, and Zere Ana will remain forever in the memory of the people. Today, you worthily continue the glorious path paved by our deeply respected mothers and sisters. Our women work successfully for the benefit of the country and make an enormous contribution to the development of Kazakhstan," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
As the Head of State highlighted, many ladies hold responsible roles that entail both hardship and risk.
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Over 2,111 citizens return home as Kazakhstan continues repatriation flights
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Five flights carrying 851 passengers by Air Astana and FlyDubai arrived in Kazakhstan overnight on March 4-5, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Civil Aviation Committee of the Transport Ministry.
Since March 3, a total of 12 flights have been operated from the Middle East, returning 2,111 passengers to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Including the flights scheduled for today, approximately 4,000 citizens will have been repatriated from the Middle Eastern countries," the statement reads.
According to the Civil Aviation Committee, Kazakh and foreign carriers are scheduled to run additional repatriation flights from Middle Eastern countries to Kazakhstan on March 5:
- Air Astana will operate two flights: Jeddah-Aktau-Almaty and Jeddah-Atyrau-Almaty.
- SCAT Airlines plans to operate two flights on the Muscat-Almaty route.
- Air Arabia is running two flights today between Sharjah and Almaty: one currently en route and a second planned for later today.
- FlyDubai is scheduled to fly from Dubai to Almaty and Astana (passenger counts to be determined).
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Over 13 billion tenge brick plant to be launched in Akmola region
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A new brick manufacturing plant is set to be launched in 2026 in the Akmola region. With government support, issues related to connecting water and heating supply networks to the facility have been promptly resolved, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing primeminister.kz.
The construction of the brick plant is being carried out as part of the Head of State’s directive to support industrial projects in the Akmola region. The enterprise is expected to produce up to 60 million bricks per year.
According to Yesimkhan Baigabulov, director of MM Brick LLP, the project is valued at 13.7 billion tenge. Currently, construction and installation works are 80% complete, and equipment deliveries have begun. The plant is scheduled to be launched later this year.
With the support of the Government, issues related to connecting water and heating supply networks have been resolved. The full range of support measures will allow us to produce a wide range of products and generate a multiplier effect for the region’s development," the company’s head said.
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Kazakhstanis returning home via special flights from Jeddah and Dubai
The evacuation of Kazakh nationals from Middle Eastern countries is ongoing, Qazinform News Agency cites the Civil Aviation Committee press service.
As part of the repatriation efforts, two Air Astana flights are scheduled for today. The first will operate the Jeddah - Aktau - Almaty route using an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 148 seats. The second one will fly Jeddah - Atyrau - Almaty using an Airbus A321 with 184 seats.
FlyDubai is scheduled to operate two flights to Almaty and one to Astana, carrying a total of 506 passengers from Dubai. State authorities continue to coordinate closely to ensure the safe transportation of returning citizens.
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President orders enhanced protection for vital infrastructure and transport
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has issued a directive to strengthen security for strategic sites across Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
The Head of State has entrusted the Prime Minister, the heads of law enforcement agencies, Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, national companies, and regional akims (governors) to intensify efforts to ensure the security of critical sites and infrastructure. This covers transport, energy, and utility networks, including airports and sea and river ports.
The Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan has been tasked with coordinating these efforts.
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