The internationally renowned F1H2O World Championship could be held at the Kapshagay Reservoirover the next five years. Organizers of the global powerboat racing series recently visited the Almaty Region, where they met with Regional Governor (Akim) Marat Sultangaziyev, El.kz reports citing the regional administration’s press service.
Following the meeting, representatives of the F1H2O organization, iHolding, the official delegation of Saudi Arabia, and the Akimat of the Almaty Region signed an agreement providing for the staging of a 2027 F1H2O World Championship round in Konaev.
Kazakhstan is set to become the 6th country to host the championship. Organizers expect at least 5,000 international visitors, while the total number of spectators, including local residents and domestic tourists, is expected to be significantly higher. The races are also projected to attract a global television audience of around one billion viewers.
“Saudi Arabia has successfully delivered world-class international sporting events, placing great emphasis on the development of global competitions and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The Almaty Region is also actively advancing this direction. Every year, the Kapshagay Reservoir hosts the Tengri Ultra ultramarathon and the Oceanman international open-water swimming competition, along with national-level sporting events. Hosting tournaments of this scale will boost tourism and create new opportunities for the region’s socio-economic development. Therefore, we are ready to implement this project together,” Marat Sultangaziyev said.
Chairman of the Board and representative of KSA ProMediaPortal и F1H2O Yasser Ali Al-Yami noted that 11 countriescurrently participate in the championship. Because of the technical complexity and high safety standards required, only specially trained teams are eligible to compete.
Organizers said the event will feature comprehensive safety measures for spectators, as well as VIP areas, a race control center, dedicated team preparation facilities, and a modern media center. Family entertainment zones will also be created, where visitors can experience Kazakh culture, sample traditional cuisine, and purchase souvenirs. In addition to the sporting action, a variety of entertainment events will be held throughout the championship, culminating in a large-scale gala concert featuring internationally renowned performers.
“Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan have developed a strong partnership. We have studied the Almaty region’s development indicators and are convinced of its enormous potential. We believe the region will become an international business hub in the future,” Yasser Ali Al-Yami said.
If the agreement is fully implemented, the Almaty region will welcome sports fans from around the world over the next five years, while Konaev is expected to emerge as one of the region’s leading tourist destinations. Hosting the championship will showcase Kazakhstan’s natural beauty and economic potential to a global audience, while also encouraging investment, infrastructure development, and long-term economic growth.
