Construction of the first skyscraper has begun in Alatau City. The foundation stone has been laid for Iconic Complex, a mixed-use development valued at more than USD 800 million. The project includes the construction of two towers standing 272 and 78 metres tall, according to the Government of Kazakhstan.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 26, 2026, with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. The complex is expected to become one of the main architectural landmarks of Alatau's new business district. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029, DKNews.kz reports.
Who Is Designing and Building Alatau's First Skyscraper?
The project's general contractor is China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
The architectural concept was developed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), internationally recognised for its expertise in designing high-rise buildings and large-scale urban developments.
The project therefore brings together international companies with extensive experience in the design and construction of major developments. At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev specifically emphasised the importance of involving Kazakhstani companies and professionals in the construction of the complex.
Particular Emphasis on Seismic Safety and Construction Quality
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined the key requirements for the project's implementation. The main priorities include meeting construction deadlines, ensuring seismic safety, implementing energy-efficient solutions, and maintaining strict quality control throughout the construction process.
Under Alatau City's special legal regime, a mechanism for independent technical review of project documentation involving international experts has already been introduced.
Investment in Alatau Increased by 1.6 Times
Construction of Iconic Complex is commencing amid growing investment activity in the city. According to the Government of Kazakhstan, investment in fixed capital in Alatau increased by a factor of 1.6 during the first nine months of 2026, reaching KZT 70.3 billion.
The city's total investment portfolio comprises 67 projects with a combined value of approximately USD 6.9 billion. If the announced plans are successfully implemented, these projects could create approximately 55,000 jobs. Importantly, this figure represents the potential employment impact of the investment portfolio rather than the number of jobs already created.
Similarly, the reported USD 6.9 billion reflects the total value of projects at various stages of implementation.
KZT 35.3 Billion Allocated for Alatau's Infrastructure Development
Alongside the construction of new commercial and business facilities, Alatau City is actively developing its engineering infrastructure. Work is currently underway on 28 infrastructure projects, for which KZT 35.3 billion has been allocated from reserve funds.
Key priorities include the reconstruction of the Kokpa-1 electrical substation, the construction of water supply facilities, and road rehabilitation works. These projects are essential to ensuring that future businesses and residential developments have reliable access to electricity, water supply, and transport infrastructure.
For a development of the scale of Iconic Complex, the expansion and modernisation of engineering networks are of fundamental importance.
High-rise construction requires not only advanced structural engineering solutions but also sufficient capacity within the city's infrastructure systems.
Read more: https://dknews.kz/ru/ekonomika/408796-pervyy-neboskreb-alatau-kakim-budet-kompleks-za-800