Speed dating has long been part of urban culture in the West and is now gradually taking hold in Kazakhstan. Interest in the trend is growing rapidly in Almaty, the nation’s largest city, as more residents seek face-to-face communication away from screens and algorithms.
Offline format
Speed dating is a format in which participants meet through a series of short encounters lasting five to seven minutes. After each conversation, partners rotate. If there’s mutual interest, organizers share their contact information.
One such project in Almaty is led by Angelina, a marketer and founder of a new speed-dating platform.
«The idea of creating something of my own has been in my head for a while. I was once looking for a similar space myself because it’s really hard to meet someone these days. I’m currently in a relationship — we met on a dating app — and it didn’t take long for us to realize we were the perfect match. I’m running this project with his support,» she said.
The team hosts events every Sunday at a local coffee shop. Ten women and ten men, aged 20 to 55, meet at tables in the evening. After the main round, participants stay for a mini-party where they can mingle in a more relaxed setting.
Spots sold out
Although the project has only been operating for a month, events are already selling out. According to Angelina, loneliness and isolation are becoming increasingly common in big cities.
«People lack social interaction now. We live in a social bubble — ‘home, work.’ Since the project launched, I’ve been getting messages of gratitude every day,» she said.
Safety first
Organizers also closely monitor participant safety. Before registering, candidates are vetted for appropriateness by reviewing their social media profiles. Many women choose to share their Telegram or Instagram handles rather than personal phone numbers to keep communication comfortable and secure.
Currently open to heterosexual participants, the team plans to expand formats, launch in Astana, and share success stories from their events.
