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A disabled boy from Kazakhstan, Sanzhar, had the chance to meet his idol, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé.

Real Madrid arrived in Almaty on Sept. 28. On Monday, the squad held a training session at Central Stadium, which will host a historic match between Real Madrid and Kairat today at 9:45 p.m. local time.

Kazakh businessman Kairat Boranbayev, chairman of the FC Kairat supervisory board, said he invited Sanzhar — who had long dreamed of meeting his favorite team, especially Mbappé — to the training session.

A video of the meeting posted on...

Almaty’s hotels are nearly full as 10,000 football fans arrive for the Kairat-Real Madrid match, according to the Almaty Tourism Department.

Tourism officials, citing the e-Qonaq online system, reveal that over 5,000 foreign tourists have secured hotel stays in Almaty from Sept. 26 to 29, with an equally lively influx expected from across Kazakhstan.

Altogether, there are 12,500 rooms in the city’s hotels, which can accommodate 22,800 people. Therefore, the hotel occupancy rate before the match has reached 95%.

“At the same time, some fans traditionally choose alternative accommodations — hostels, apartments and rental housing...

The first regulated stablecoin pegged to the offshore Chinese yuan, AxCNH, has launched in Kazakhstan. The move is part of China’s effort to utilize blockchain to streamline cross-border trade and reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar, according to Yang Guang, chief technology officer of China’s state-owned blockchain network, Conflux, as reported by Reuters.

On Sept. 17, 2025, Hong Kong-based fintech firm AnchorX, powered by Conflux, received a license from the Astana Financial Services Authority in Kazakhstan.

Guang said that China, as a major power, cannot miss out on any promising technology and will invest...

Afghanistan has been plunged into silence after the Taliban cut internet and phone services nationwide, describing the move as part of a crackdown on «immoral activities,» according to CNN.

On Monday night, the monitoring group NetBlocks reported a complete internet blackout in Afghanistan. Millions of people were unable to connect with family and friends. Flights to Kabul were canceled, and both Afghan and international news outlets lost contact with staff in the capital. The move followed an internet ban in Balkh Province earlier this month, imposed for the same reason.

This is the largest blackout since the Taliban...

AstraZeneca will list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange, while maintaining its UK headquarters, its main listing on the London Stock Exchange and its tax base, according to Euronews.

The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant stated that it will replace its current American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on Nasdaq with a direct listing of common shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Concurrently, AstraZeneca will maintain its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, as well as its secondary listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

AstraZeneca stated that the change aims to facilitate U.S. investors’ access to its stock...

Real Madrid held a press conference ahead of their Champions League match against Kairat in Almaty. One of the team’s captains, Federico Valverde, was the first to answer reporters’ questions, followed later by coach Xabi Alonso.

Valverde emphasized the importance of winning after the devastating 2-5 defeat to Atlético Madrid. The players understand that the upcoming clash with Kairat will be significant. He also noted that the team will try to change the momentum from the previous match from a footballing perspective.

«It’s been a tough couple of days. From a footballing perspective we’re frustrated with...

Kairat head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin and defender Egor Sorokin spoke at a press conference on Monday ahead of their Champions League match with Real Madrid, outlining tactics and emphasizing mental strength in preparation for the historic encounter.

Real Madrid’s debut in Kazakhstan

Playing in Kazakhstan for the first time, the Spanish giants have brought a full-strength squad led by star forward Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid, seeking redemption after its 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in La Liga on Sept. 27, is determined to make a statement.

«Certainly, they’ll give their all here,» Urazbakhtin...

Real Madrid’s rising prospect Kylian Mbappé immediately drew the attention of football fans upon his arrival in Almaty.

Long before the Spanish team landed at the city’s airport, hundreds of fans had already gathered there overnight, and a similar scene unfolded near the InterContinental Hotel. Admirers of the La Liga team almost filled the venue’s lobby, hoping to take a photo or get an autograph. One of the stars of the event was a boy who ran up to the footballer.

The forward appreciated the young fan’s gesture and gently hugged him. After that, the hotel’s security escorted the...

Kazakhstan is holding a public contest to name its first nuclear power plant — and one tongue-in-cheek suggestion has captured attention.

Journalist Askar Ismailov proposed calling the facility «Nuke,» after the well-known map from the video game Counter-Strike. In the game, battles take place at the fictional Cedar Creek nuclear plant in the U.S.

«Well, it’s worth a shot. And yes, you can submit your idea through the eGov mobile app. Applications are being accepted until Oct. 10,» Ismailov wrote, reminding citizens about the competition.

The idea quickly resonated online. Social...

Following Real Madrid CF’s arrival in Almaty, football fans are watching the players’ every step. Kursiv LifeStyle reports on the craze around the InterContinental Almaty.

Despite the working day being in full swing, several dozen fans surrounded the venue’s gates. The crowd mostly consisted of students, young school-age fans, and their parents.

Police were also present at the scene. A Kursiv LifeStyle reporter asked one of the fans what they were waiting for. Nurmukhamed Kerimkhan, a student at one of the city’s universities, said that like most of those gathered, he was waiting for the team to depart for a...

Nurtas Karipbayev, head of the Tourism Industry Committee, said that if more than 4,000 tourists come to the UEFA Champions League match between Kairat and Real Madrid on Sept. 30 at Central Stadium in Almaty, the event could bring in 2 to 3 billion tenge ($3.6 million to $5.5 million) for the local economy.

Karipbayev noted that Almaty and its infrastructure, including hotels, are ready to welcome foreign guests.

Meanwhile, some football fans are so enthusiastic about the Kairat vs. Real Madrid match that they are ready to climb cranes or take temporary jobs, such as cleaning...

A historic match for Kazakhstan kicks off tomorrow, Sept. 30, 2025, as Almaty’s Kairat faces Real Madrid. Kursiv LifeStyle reports on the creative and desperate ways fans without tickets try to watch.

Some supporters have attempted to get into Central Stadium «from the inside.» The stadium’s official website recently listed two job openings: a groundskeeper and a facilities cleaner. But as one Kazakh blogger discovered, landing a one-day job just to slip inside isn’t possible, even for those willing to work for free.

@sakoyashi__

Kazakhstan’s biggest city, Almaty, has recently hosted several international events, including concerts by Jennifer Lopez and the Backstreet Boys, and it is preparing to host the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Kairat on Sept. 30. Although international tourists may come specifically for such events, Almaty also offers strong tourism potential even if you are short on time.

Medeu and Shymbulak

The most «basic» locations for tourists to enjoy, and the easiest way to access mountain landscapes, are Medeu and Shymbulak. Medeu is located within the city boundaries and can be reached by...

A deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, left four dead and eight injured Sunday, according to the BBC.

According to police, at approximately 10:30 a.m., 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton drove his car into the church during the worship service, then immediately began shooting with a rifle. Shortly after, he set the building on fire with gasoline. Police shot and killed him outside the church just a few minutes later.

Authorities described the attack as targeted violence, as hundreds were inside the church throughout the incident. However, officials have...

Demonstrations broke out across Morocco this past weekend as frustration mounted over the government’s heavy spending on preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host.

Crowds gathered in at least 11 cities, including Rabat and Marrakech, where police in riot gear and plainclothes officers moved in to disperse protesters and make arrests, as reported by Independent.co.uk.

Hundreds of mostly young demonstrators voiced anger over what they described as misplaced priorities, condemning corruption and criticizing authorities for investing in stadiums and sporting infrastructure while hospitals and schools remain underfunded. Some carried signs and chanted...

The Kazakh startup Higgsfield AI has achieved unicorn status, surpassing a $1 billion valuation. Aleksandr Mashrabov, the company’s co-founder and former head of generative AI at Snap Inc., announced the milestone at Nazarbayev University, according to Digital Business.

Higgsfield AI has generated more than $50 million in revenue, officially becoming Kazakhstan’s first unicorn. Mashrabov confirmed this breakthrough, a milestone not reached by any company in the country in the past 15 years. The startup, backed by leading global funds such as Menlo Ventures, which also invests in Anthropic, has gained significant attention.

Founded less than two...

On the night of Sept. 29, a charter flight carrying Real Madrid players landed in Almaty. Among the arriving athletes were stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham.

The team was accommodated at the five-star InterContinental Almaty, which is closed to other guests until the team leaves later this week, as the club has completely purchased the 15-story, 277-room hotel. As a result, online and phone booking will be available only starting Oct. 1.

The InterContinental Almaty has been mentioned several times recently in media reports, as the Backstreet Boys also chose the venue for their...

In the early morning of Sept. 29, hundreds of fans in Kazakhstan gathered at Almaty International Airport to welcome Real Madrid. Law enforcement authorities had to control the crowd eager to see the team bus carrying the players.

The Real Madrid squad booked the InterContinental Almaty hotel, where fans were already gathered.

Kylian Mbappé signed autographs.

According to Almaty International Airport, the flight carrying Real Madrid players, operated by Iberia Airlines, landed in the city on Sept. 28 at 11:58 p.m. The nearly 7,000-kilometer flight took seven hours. The Real Madrid vs. Kairat UEFA Champions League match will...

The main event of the Kazakh football season will take place tomorrow. On Sept. 30, Kairat will play its first-ever home match in the Champions League main tournament against Real Madrid.

Champions League 2025-26. Round 2

Kairat (Almaty, Kazakhstan) vs. Real (Madrid, Spain)

(Sept. 30, Almaty, Ortalyk Stadium, 9:45 p.m.)

The opponents’ weight classes are, of course, incomparable. The 36-time Spanish champion team against the four-time Kazakh champion team. A 20-time Spanish Cup winner versus a 10-time Kazakhstan Cup winner. A 15-time European and five-time world champion versus a Champions League debutant. Real Madrid was...

Kairat and Real Madrid have announced their squads for the upcoming Champions League match in Almaty on Sept. 30. Yesterday, Real Madrid’s players arrived in Kazakhstan. As both teams prepare for the game, fans of Almaty’s Kairat are pinning their hopes not just on the players but also on head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin — a former player who once sold shoes before beginning his coaching career.

After Kairat’s victory over Celtic last month, Urazbakhtin drew widespread attention. The win secured Kairat its first-ever place in the main stage of the Champions League and made Urazbakhtin the...

Real Madrid CF arrived in Almaty to play against Kairat in the UEFA Champions League match. According to Almaty International Airport, the players landed on Sept. 28 at 11:58 p.m. on an Iberia Airlines flight, covering nearly 7,000 kilometers and seven hours in the air.

According to available data, the La Liga club’s players went to the InterContinental Almaty.

Previously, Real Madrid had presented its squad list for the Kairat match on its official Instagram account.

The Real Madrid vs. Kairat match is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 9:45 p.m. at Central Stadium.

Real Madrid CF has released the list of players selected for the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Kairat in Almaty, scheduled for Sept. 30.

The squad, coached by Xabi Alonso, includes:

Travelling to Central Asia — Almaty in particular — might seem challenging not only in terms of time spent in the air and layovers, but also from a gastronomic perspective. However, while traditional cuisine may differ from what is commonly popular worldwide, Almaty is a large multicultural city with a wide variety of dining options.

International fast food

Your typical international fast-food chains — including KFC, Wendy’s, Burger King, Hardee’s and Popeyes — operate in Almaty. Notably, McDonald’s, which many expect to find everywhere in the world, used to serve customers in Kazakhstan but exited the...

On Sept. 30, Almaty will come alive with football as Kairat hosts Real Madrid. Not everyone has tickets to the stadium, so many fans are looking for places to soak up the atmosphere outside the stands (“unofficial fan zones”).

Bars, restaurants and terraces with large screens are among the most popular options. Kursiv LifeStyle breaks down the cost of an evening filled with big-match emotions for Almaty residents and visitors.

Special conditions and no refunds

Almost all bars and restaurants in Almaty have introduced a deposit system for the match. Some venues are already fully booked, while...