Broadway Standard in Mongolia: The Directors of the Musical "Michael Jackson" Arrived in Ulaanbaatar www.open.kg

The preparation for the creation of the first rock musical in history that will meet the high standards of West End and Broadway theaters has begun in Mongolia. The project involves professionals from Britain, including the movement director and choreographer of the famous musical "Michael Jackson (MJ) The Musical," Xena Gusthart, and Lisa Breisheit, who have arrived from London.
They will lead a joint team from Mongolia and the UK working on the musical "Норсон зүрх" ("Wet Heart"), which is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the rock band "Хурд," awarded the State Prize. These experts will ensure high-quality choreography and stage movement, which is an important aspect of modern theater.

Main Project Details

The premiere of the musical is scheduled for November 11, 2026, and it will take place at the "UG Palace" complex. This international project will not only enrich the cultural life of Mongolia but also plans subsequent tours in the UK, Western Europe, and Southeast Asian countries, expanding the horizons of Mongolian art.

As part of the musical's preparation, workshops for young artists are also planned, which will help prepare a new generation of professionals in the theater and music industry of Mongolia.

Biocombinat to Release First FMD Vaccine Doses in November www.montsame.mn

The Biocombinat state-owned enterprise (SOE) aims to release its first doses of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine by November, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry reported.

Iderbat Tsagaankhuu, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, met with Byambasaikhan B., CEO of Biocombinat SOE, and Dulamsuren B., Head of its Production and Technology Department. The Minister instructed the executives to intensify operations, optimize management, and boost domestic vaccine production.

From 2021 to 2025, Mongolia spent over MNT 70 billion on importing vaccines to prevent contagious animal diseases, such as FMD, peste des petits ruminants (sheep and goat plague), and lumpy skin disease. To reduce this reliance on imports, Biocombinat is localizing technologies to manufacture new peste des petits ruminants vaccines and to mix and package FMD vaccines. In collaboration with major laboratories in Russia and China, a working group under the Ministry aims to roll out the first FMD vaccine doses in November, following field trials scheduled for this month.

"We must urgently organize and push forward the timely production and rollout of the new vaccine doses," Minister Iderbat ordered. "Furthermore, attention must be paid to manufacturing high-quality contagious caprine pleuropneumonia vaccines in strict accordance with technological standards, steering the company's management on the right track, and aligning domestic vaccine supply with market demand."

Biocombinat was founded in 1923 and upgraded into a comprehensive manufacturing complex in 1973 with technical and economic assistance from Hungary. Following a 2020 government resolution, it was reorganized into a state-owned enterprise. Today, the facility operates with four departments, 15 workshops, and 198 employees. It manufactures 46 types of products, including veterinary vaccines and diagnostics, with an annual production capacity of 135,000 liters of liquid vaccines and 31 million doses of freeze-dried vaccines.

Enkhiin-Od Signs with G League’s Osceola Magic www.montsame.mn

Enkhiin-Od Sharavjamts (Mike Sharavjamts), son of Honored Athlete of Mongolia Sharavjamts Tserenjankhar, is set to play for the Osceola Magic, the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic.

Specifically, Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations for the Orlando Magic, officially announced that the team has signed free agent Enkhiin-Od, also known as Mike Sharavjamts.

His father, Sharavjamts, posted on his social media page: "We have waited many years for this day. He has become the first Mongolian athlete to sign an official contract with the NBA. It is wonderful to see my son's name. He signed a 10-day contract. Now show what you can do on your G League team. Mom and Dad are proud of you."

According to Jason Beede, a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, Mike Sharavjamts signed an "Exhibit 10" contract with the Orlando Magic on Monday and is expected to suit up for the Osceola Magic this season.

This makes Enkhiin-Od the first Mongolian basketball player to sign an official contract with an NBA franchise.

Bank of Mongolia hosts SEACEN course on “Foundational Data Analytics for Central Bankers” www.mongolbank.mn

The Bank of Mongolia, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Central Banks (SEACEN) Research and Training Centre, is hosting an international training program titled “Foundational Data Analytics for Central Bankers” in Ulaanbaatar from 5 to 8 October 2026. 

The training is designed to enhance central bank professionals’ knowledge and practical capabilities in applying data-driven analytical approaches and advanced technologies to support evidence-based policymaking. The program focuses on emerging and increasingly important areas of central banking, including data visualization, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). 

The program is being delivered by experts from SEACEN, representatives from academia, and advisers from central banks, bringing together international expertise and practical experience in the application of modern analytical tools to central banking. 

A total of 41 central bank professionals from 12 Southeast Asian countries are participating in the training. The program provides a valuable platform for participants to exchange knowledge and experiences in data-driven analysis, learn from best practices and real-world applications across central banks, and explore opportunities to further strengthen regional cooperation. 

Over the course of the training, participants will receive a combination of theoretical and practical instruction covering: 

effective visualization and communication of data and analytical findings; 

the use of new and non-traditional data sources; 

the differences and complementary applications of traditional econometric methods and machine learning (ML); 

text data analytics and natural language processing (NLP); and 

practical applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Through this international training, the Bank of Mongolia and SEACEN aim to support the continued development of analytical capacity within central banks and promote the effective adoption of modern data-driven approaches and emerging technologies in policymaking. 

The program also serves as an important platform for strengthening professional networks, sharing international best practices, and fostering continued cooperation among central banks across the region.

Testing Begins for Ulaanbaatar Cable Car System www.montsame.mn

Testing has begun to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the new cable car system connecting Yarmag to the Kharkhorin Market.

During the testing phase, the normal operation of steel cables, movement speed, brakes, and control system safety sensors will be evaluated. To assess the system's performance under abnormal conditions, we will intentionally simulate power outages, overspeeding, simultaneous operation of multiple cabins, and sudden stops to test the protection and control mechanisms.

In the initial stage, five cabins will be installed to monitor basic system functionality. Subsequently, they will conduct mechanical tests on 96 cabins, each loaded with 750 kg of water or sandbags.

Tuvshinsanaa G., the project's chief engineer, stated, "We plan to open the cable car for passenger transport following an assessment by the French group Bureau Veritas and final approval from the State Commission. The system’s main driving motor has a capacity of 567 kW and operates on power from two different sources to ensure safety. During power rationing, if one supply fails, the system will continue to operate normally using the other. For emergencies or total blackouts, a 275 kVA backup generator is in place. This backup is not designed to run the system at full capacity but solely to bring passengers safely to the stations."

Before the State Commission officially accepts the project, Bureau Veritas will conduct an independent engineering audit. The firm will verify compliance with approved designs and standards, assess material and execution quality, evaluate engineering system safety, and calculate operational risks. With a 198-year history, Bureau Veritas specializes in design, construction supervision, and risk management. The company has participated in over 5,000 international construction projects and inspected more than 10,000 buildings.

The Ulaanbaatar cable car project is financed by a highly concessional loan of USD 51 million from the Government of France. The loan has a 40-year term with an interest rate of 0.0076%. It includes a 12-year principal grace period, after which the remaining balance will be paid in equal biannual installments.

India-Mongolia joint military exercise concludes in Pithoragarh www.pioneeredge.in

The joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Army- Nomadic Elephant at Pithoragarh concluded on Saturday. Conducted from September 20, it was aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening mutual understanding and further promoting the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two armies.

Officials said that the exercise provided an opportunity to both contingents to train together, exchange operational experiences and share best practices, thereby enhancing their ability to operate cohesively in a joint environment. The exercise was conducted in three phases. The first phase- Integration focused on familiarisation with each other’s operational procedures and training methodologies. The second phase- Conduct of Joint Exercise comprised joint training activities and combat drills. The final phase-, Validation Exercise enabled both contingents to validate the training undertaken during the preceding phases through integrated joint training.

During the exercise, the contingents participated in a wide range of training activities aimed at enhancing operational synergy and mutual understanding. These included tactical drills, intelligence and surveillance activities, technology demonstrations, heliborne operations, casualty management and evacuation, marksmanship, specialised skills, drone handling and cyber security.  The successful conduct of the 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant marks another significant milestone in strengthening defence cooperation between India and Mongolia, officials said.

Two Mongolian Falcons Fetch SAR350,000 in Auction at Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition www.spa.gov.sa

Two falcons from the "Hur Farkh" category were sold for a combined SAR350,000 on the second night of the Mongolian Falcon Auction, held as part of the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026.
 The auction began with the first falcon, as bidding started at SAR50,000 before it was sold for SAR250,000, while the second falcon sold for SAR100,000.
 For the second consecutive year, the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition has dedicated an area to Mongolian falcons, which have attracted considerable interest among falconers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region for their distinctive characteristics and established presence in falconry.
 The area features a selection of falcons from Mongolia, particularly the Mongolian Hurr falcon, known for its large size, long wingspan, and endurance, as well as its varied coloration ranging from light to dark brown. These characteristics have made the falcon popular among falconers and enthusiasts.
 The auction gives falconers and enthusiasts an opportunity to view and bid directly on Mongolian falcons, while their participation in the exhibition underscores its growing international reach and falconry's role as a heritage tradition that brings together practitioners from different countries and cultures.

Mongolia Contracts 78,000 Tonnes of Fuel from Russia www.montsame.mn

Damdinnyam Gongor, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, held a press briefing at the Government Palace regarding the current fuel situation.

"The global situation is uncertain. The United States has banned its diesel exports, and China decided on October 1, 2026, to ban the export of all petroleum products. Therefore, we are focusing on sourcing from multiple suppliers and securing what we can, even if it is not the desired volume," the Minister stated. He emphasized, "The Government does not sell fuel. Instead, we are assisting enterprises in every possible way to procure it. For AI-92 fuel, the price has risen, and global availability is scarce, making the situation very difficult worldwide. Thus, we need to secure fuel from as many sources as possible. However, regardless of where we purchase it globally, it must transit through Russia or China. We are collaborating with enterprises to resolve these logistical issues. Furthermore, fines are being imposed on companies that refuse to dispense fuel at night." Addressing domestic pricing, Minister Damdinyam added, "Russia keeps its prices low by subsidizing its oil refineries. Our country does not provide such subsidies. We calculate domestic prices based on the average global market price of the product over the preceding 14 to 25 days."

Mongolia consumes 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 fuel per month. However, the country imported only about 54,000 tonnes in August and 62,000 tonnes in September. While Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan were previously the exclusive buyers of Russian-produced AI-92 fuel, Russia's recent shift toward domestic consumption has reduced the volume supplied to Mongolia. Despite this, a contract has been signed to purchase 78,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia in October, which is expected to resolve the current shortages.

Mongolia plants 140 mln trees since 2021 to combat desertification www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia has planted a total of 140 million trees across the country since launching a national tree-planting campaign in 2021, according to the presidential press office on Sunday.

The national campaign, which aims to plant at least 1 billion trees by 2030, was officially launched in October 2021, when Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh addressed the UN General Assembly and announced the country's goal of combating desertification and climate change.

As part of efforts to accelerate tree planting nationwide, Mongolia organizes tree-planting campaigns twice a year, in spring and autumn, encouraging government institutions, businesses and citizens to take part.

The latest autumn tree-planting campaign began last week. On Saturday alone, more than 1,000 people from 42 organizations planted 3,000 trees of eight species at the International Garden of Mongolia in the capital, Ulan Bator, the presidential press office said in a statement.

An exhibition providing tree seedlings and saplings to individuals and organizations interested in planting trees will also be held from Oct. 5 to 18, it said.

Under the "Billion Trees" national campaign, Mongolia is also taking measures to protect its forests from pests, diseases and degradation.

A survey conducted this year to assess the spread of forest pests across 2.4 million hectares in 16 provinces found pest outbreaks covering 256,500 hectares.

Based on the findings, pest-control measures have been carried out across 133,500 hectares using aircraft, backpack sprayers, light traps, mechanical methods and drones.

Environmental experts have noted that Mongolia is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Due to its geographical location and changing climate conditions, the Asian country has experienced an increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards, including forest and steppe fires, desertification, land degradation and yellow dust storms.

According to the latest national assessment released by Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in August, at least 81.9 percent of Mongolia's total land area has been affected to some extent by desertification and land degradation.

Mongolia to Cooperate Closely with FIFA www.montsame.mn

 President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa received Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), on October 1, 2026.

President Khurelsukh noted that since Mongolia joined FIFA, the federation has actively supported and collaborated on the development of football in the country. He expressed gratitude to FIFA for increasing opportunities for children and youth to play the sport by establishing several facilities since 2015. These include the National Team Training Center and an indoor football pitch in Tuv aimag, a technical center with a full-standard football pitch in Shine Yarmag, and a 20x40 meter pitch at the 33rd School under the "FIFA Arena" project.

The two sides exchanged views on further expanding relations and cooperation, which will include jointly organizing a football cup tournament named after the President of Mongolia starting next year.

During his visit to Mongolia, President Gianni Infantino toured the national team training center and wished success to the Mongolian athletes who are competing in the FIFA U-15 World Cup for the first time.