The year 2026 in Turkmenistan is marked by the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. It marks the 35th anniversary of the country's independence and continues the tradition of annually determining the symbol of the year and the priority areas of the state's development, according to TDH.

Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale socio-economic programmes are being implemented in the country, aimed at strengthening the national economy and improving the standard of living of the population. As noted at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, a significant amount of work is planned to be carried out as part of the ‘Programme of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2026’.

This year, the construction and commissioning of numerous social and industrial facilities is planned in Ashgabat and the velayats. These include modern residential buildings, educational institutions, shopping centres and other infrastructure facilities. In the capital, it is planned to open an International Paediatrics Centre, an International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre. A new 400-bed medical and health complex is planned to be commissioned at the ‘Archman’ sanatorium.

The completion of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat-Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway, as well as a number of energy and infrastructure facilities, is also planned. Significant investments will be directed towards the modernisation of transport, communications and engineering infrastructure, including the construction of roads, the development of communications systems, and water, gas and energy supply facilities.

The year 2026 will also be filled with international events. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and will host a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

Special attention will be paid throughout the year to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses, which are a national treasure. International competitions, horse marathons, exhibitions, scientific conferences and cultural events are planned. Key events include the 16th meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, the 18th International Scientific Conference ‘Türkmen bedewi we dünýäniň seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘Turkmen Horses and the World Art of Horse Breeding’) and the ‘Ýylyň iň owadan ahalteke bedewi’ (‘The Most Beautiful Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’) competition.

As part of the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of independence, there are also plans to hold the Amul-Hazar horse race, in which 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses from different regions of the country will take part.

Turkmen horse breeders and athletes are also scheduled to participate in a number of international events, including prestigious equestrian tournaments and exhibitions.

The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group will continue its international tour, whose performances at the world's largest circus venues contribute to the popularisation of the cultural heritage and traditions of Turkmen horse breeding.

The planned events are intended to further strengthen international cooperation, develop cultural and sports diplomacy, and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.