Dear IOAI-ers,
I would like to share an important update regarding the host of IOAI 2026.
Following the recent developments in the Middle East, and after close consultation with international advisors and our local host – MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi, we have jointly decided to relocate IOAI 2026. This decision was not easy. The MBZUAI team has already invested significant effort and care into the preparations. We deeply appreciate their dedication, openness, professionalism, continued support, and their commitment to the safety of our future – the IOAI contestants.
The safety of the IOAI contestants remains our top priority. While we all hope the situation will stabilize very soon, we believe that taking a precautionary step at this stage is the responsible decision. We are grateful to all countries and individuals who reached out to offer support for IOAI 2026, shared information about their national policies and guidance, or simply raised thoughtful concerns about the upcoming event.
We are pleased to announce that Astana, Kazakhstan will host IOAI 2026, August 2-8. This decision follows intensive discussions of the available options, taking into account multiple factors, including safety considerations in the current geopolitical context, ease of travel, the experience and readiness of the local team, government support, and the ability to maintain the planned dates for IOAI 2026.
We are currently working closely with Kazakhstan on the next steps and will share further details in the coming days and weeks. Meanwhile, allow me to highlight a few key points:
Safety: Kazakhstan is currently considered a stable and safe destination for international travel. According to international travel advisories — including those of the U.S. Department of State (Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, — travel to Kazakhstan is regarded as safe with standard precautions.
Travel and visas: Kazakhstan offers a well-developed international travel infrastructure, and visa procedures are straightforward, online, and quick for most nationalities.
Local host team: The local partner will be CPFED. They have recently hosted major international Olympiads such as IChO, IBO, and ICPC World finals, and have already begun preparations for hosting IOAI. We want to thank CPFED, its Chair Bagdat Mussin and general secretary Danabek Kaliazhdarov for the smooth and professional approach during the host change process.
We will e-meet very soon at the next IOAI community meeting, where we will share further details and more exciting news. An invitation will follow from Teodora (Tedi), IOAI Project Manager.
A quick reminder that the registration for IOAI 2026 remains open here and new countries can apply for accreditation here.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support across the entire IOAI community of 124 accredited countries and territories.
Stay safe,
Elena Marinova
IOAI Cofounder and Chair of the Board
