Jordan Daily – Ashgabat – Arkadag is the new regional capital of the Ahal Province, located near the border with Iran and 30 kilometers from the national capital, Ashgabat. On June 29, 2023, a grand opening ceremony attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow officially inaugurated the futuristic smart city named Arkadag, meaning “protector” in reference to its former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
Arkadag word consist of 2 parts, the first arka “behind” and the second dag “mountain”, connoting “protector”), It became the regional capital of Ahal Province effective 20 December 2022.
Arkadag Smart City represents a significant leap towards sustainable urban development, blending technology, environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity into a cohesive vision for the future.
National Leader
This city was built on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, with construction work officially starting on April 10, 2019. Thanks to the efforts of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, the new city has become one of the largest and most environmentally friendly cities in the region.
In the first phase of the city’s construction, 336 buildings and facilities were established, including comprehensive residential complexes, the world’s most advanced children’s health center, a rehabilitation center, hospitals, secondary schools, kindergartens, administrative buildings, engineering systems, and other essential facilities.
Specifically, the first phase of construction included 11 public buildings, 25 administrative buildings, 19 educational institutions, 258 residential units, and 9 healthcare and sports facilities. Additionally, the project involves the creation of 14 engineering systems and other structures, reflecting its extensive scale.
Multi-Purpose City
Arkadag City is set to become a major scientific, educational, cultural, and international hub in Central Asia. Its construction incorporates the latest architectural and urban planning methods, as well as smart city concepts and green technologies. This has led to discussions on establishing the legal significance of Arkadag City within Turkmenistan’s legislation.
According to a decision by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, the second phase of Arkadag City’s construction will be carried out between 2023 and 2026.
Smart City design
The construction cost of the new city, designed to accommodate 73,000 residents, amounted to $5 billion. There are investment programs aimed at optimizing the use of this amount in the coming years and expanding the city and its population. All buildings in Arkadag are painted white, and residential buildings are all seven stories high, a significant number in Turkmenistan. Only electric vehicles are allowed in the city, which also boasts full 5G coverage.
The first phase of city development included 336 innovative buildings, along with public facilities for education, healthcare, culture, and sports, all constructed with eco-friendly materials and equipped with digital technologies.
In the second phase of urban development, slated for completion by 2027, service and production factories will be built to produce food, industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. The city will accommodate approximately 70,000 families, totaling around 300,000 residents. Residents will use eco-friendly urban vehicles such as electric buses and cars, along with “smart” parking lots, solar panels, wind turbines, and other environmental and digital benefits. A television channel, newspaper, and football team named “Arkadag” have already been established.
Arkadag Smart City is described by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as:
“A pioneering initiative aimed at advancing sustainable development and promoting an advanced, environmentally-friendly, and socially inclusive urban ecosystem, addressing global challenges by creating a model for smart cities of the future. At its core, the Arkadag Smart City project reflects a strong commitment from the Government of Turkmenistan to enhance sustainable urbanization, resource efficiency, and improve quality of life for all residents. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement ensures a comprehensive and balanced approach to urban development.”
A meeting on the topic “Ensuring Environmental Well-being in Arkadag City” was recently held at the agro-industrial complex of Arkadag City. This event was organized as part of the city’s development concept for the period 2024-2052.
Turkmenistan is successfully implementing an environmental program. Forested areas are being established across the country to improve the climate, preserve, and enhance biodiversity. The introduction of new eco-friendly technologies, the development of a “green” economy, the digital system, ensuring access to environmentally friendly locally produced goods, and guaranteeing environmental safety in the country are among the key directions of government policy pursued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.
Key Objectives of the City
Key objectives of the project, according to the policy of the government in Ashgabat, include:
- Environmental Sustainability: Prioritizing eco-friendly practices and sustainable resource management through renewable energy integration, waste-to-energy initiatives, efficient public transportation, and green construction projects to significantly reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact.
- Inclusive Growth and Social Equality: Social equality is a guiding principle, ensuring all segments of society benefit from city growth. Affordable housing, accessible infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational opportunities are essential components to enhance community belonging and overall well-being.
- Technological Advancement: Embracing the power of technology, Arkadag Smart City integrates Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics to enhance city services. Smart networks, intelligent traffic management systems, and predictive maintenance solutions aim to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
- Economic Diversity and Job Creation: The project aims to attract investments and foster a diverse economy that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship. By promoting industries such as clean energy, digital technology, and sustainable agriculture, the city becomes a hub for economic growth and employment opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Comprehensive decision-making processes enable active citizen participation in shaping city development. Regular municipal meetings, citizen feedback mechanisms, and digital platforms facilitate a transparent and collaborative governance approach.
- Resilience and Disaster Management: To safeguard against potential threats, Arkadag Smart City invests in disaster preparedness and response measures. Climate adaptation strategies, early warning systems, and flexible infrastructure are implemented to protect the city and its residents from adverse events.
