Almaty in Kazakhstan is making confident strides in digital transformation by building a comprehensive "smart city" infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
A key element of this strategy has been the development of the Unified Video Surveillance System (UVSS), launched in 2023 using the AI video analytics platform TargetEYE.
According to the city’s Department of Digitalisation, the project is considered unique not only within Kazakhstan but across Central Asia.
At present, the platform is connected to over 50,000 public surveillance cameras, including 2,200 equipped with facial recognition technology.
By the end of 2025, the number of integrated cameras is expected to reach at least 70,000. All video streams are centralised through the city’s Situation Centre, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to public safety threats, while also supporting infrastructure oversight.
AI-driven algorithms can detect crowd formations, identify suspicious behaviour, recognise physical altercations, weapons, fire and smoke, and assist in locating individuals and vehicles based on descriptive data.
This provides law enforcement with an effective tool for swift action.
Road infrastructure monitoring is also a key focus. Since October last year, Almaty has implemented an AI-based project to assess road conditions using data from dashboard cameras installed in public buses and emergency vehicles.
The system processes over 500,000 video analytics events daily, allowing for a proactive approach to municipal service management.
Social infrastructure is equally integrated into this digital ecosystem. More than 13,000 cameras are installed in schools, around 9,000 in kindergartens and approximately 5,000 in healthcare facilities.
All video streams are directed to the Operational Control Centre of Almaty’s Police Department. In 2025 alone, over 150 arrests were made with the help of AI video analytics, including individuals listed on international wanted databases.
The technology also plays a role in day-to-day operations. For instance, AI modules are used to count the number of children attending school canteens, showcasing its utility in logistics, safety and accountability.
The development of digital skills is another strategic priority. A year-long AI education programme has been launched for school students in Almaty.
Ten thousand pupils from public schools will undergo training, and the top one thousand participants will qualify as junior developers. These students are expected to produce 1,000 digital products aimed at solving real urban challenges.
Artificial intelligence remains a national priority. In August, the President of Kazakhstan praised the work of the Government and the Akimat of Astana during a high-level meeting on AI development.
He instructed officials to urgently expand the successful Smart City initiative to other major cities across the country. In Astana, for example, 53 billion tenge has already been invested in the project.
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence ...
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, ...
Five skiers were killed in a pair of avalanches in Austria’s western Alpine regions on Saturday, with two others injured, one critically....
Uzbekistan is entering what regulators describe as the most complex phase of its banking reform, as the country moves to align its financial system wi...
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united respon...
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, according to geopolitical analyst Ana Evans.
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of higher tariffs over Greenland.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday (19 January) she would call a snap national election on 8 February, seeking a popular mandate for higher public spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan’s defence build-up.
A fresh consignment of precision-guided munitions has departed from the Indian city of Nagpur bound for Yerevan, marking the latest phase in the rapidly expanding defence partnership between India and Armenia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
European leaders voiced growing alarm on Sunday over U.S. threats to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning the move could destabilize transatlantic relations and heighten tensions in the Arctic.
Trump administration officials held months-long discussions with Venezuela’s hardline interior minister Diosdado Cabello before the U.S. operation that led to the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
Uzbekistan is entering what regulators describe as the most complex phase of its banking reform, as the country moves to align its financial system with international standards by 2026–27, the Central Bank has said.
Kazakhstan has agreed to become a founding member of the proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.
As global leaders gather in Davos this week to discuss the future of international cooperation, security and economic power, Georgia is once again absent from the table.
Iran’s president warned on Sunday that any U.S. strike on the country would trigger a “harsh response” from Tehran, as nationwide unrest continues and tensions with Washington remain high.
Media accreditation has opened for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, the United Nations’ flagship conference on sustainable urban development, which will be held in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment