ARKADAG CITY – TURKMENISTAN’S VISION OF A SMART AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
In an age defined by rapid urbanization and technological progress, cities across the globe are competing to become more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected. Among these emerging models of innovation stands Arkadag City in Turkmenistan — a remarkable example of a 21st-century “Smart City”. Arkadag was conceived as a city that unites advanced technology, environmental responsibility, and strong social infrastructure. The initiative to construct Arkadag City was announced in 2019, with the objective of establishing a new administrative and economic center for the Ahal Province. On December 20 2022, it was officially granted the status of a “Сity of State Importance”.
From its inception, the vision for Arkadag has been ambitious — to blend Turkmen national architectural traditions with modern infrastructure, digital connectivity, and ecological sustainability.
At the core of Arkadag’s development lies the concept of a smart city. Its infrastructure integrates Internet of Things (IoT) systems, intelligent traffic management, smart grids, remote building controls, and comprehensive digital connectivity.
During the first phase of construction, residential buildings were equipped with smart-home systems, enabling residents to manage household functions remotely via smartphone. The city also prioritises the use of electric vehicles, smart parking systems, solar panels, wind turbines, and environmentally friendly construction materials.
Arkadag is not only “Smart” in the technological sense but also “Green” in its environmental outlook. The city features expansive parks, green corridors, eco-friendly materials, and efficient water management systems. Sustainable urban planning principles — including water recycling, energy efficiency, and close integration with natural landscapes — aim to promote a high quality of life and overall well-being for its residents.
Crucially, Arkadag’s vision goes beyond technology and architecture to focus on people. Its social infrastructure includes a multi-field hospital, children’s health and rehabilitation centres, an oncology facility, and a maternal and child health centre — all designed to meet international standards. The city also incorporates educational institutions, cultural venues, and residential districts designed for inclusivity and accessibility. Planners have emphasised the importance of social equity, affordable housing, and equal opportunities for all segments of the population.
With its state-level status and advanced infrastructure, Arkadag City is intended to become more than a residential center. It aims to serve as a centre of innovation, clean energy, digital services, and industrial diversification. By attracting international partners and investment, the city is expected to contribute to Turkmenistan’s broader economic transformation — moving beyond reliance on natural resources toward knowledge- and technology-based industries.
Arkadag City’s innovative approach has already drawn international attention. In September 2024, the city received several prestigious honours at the World Smart City Expo in South Korea, including the Smart City Excellence Award. Such recognition underscores Arkadag’s growing reputation as a potential model for future-oriented urban development in Central Asia and beyond.
While Arkadag City’s blueprint is visionary, the success of large-scale urban projects depends on effective implementation. Long-term sustainability will require robust maintenance of smart systems, verification of environmental benefits, and continued social inclusion. Issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and citizen participation must also remain at the forefront of governance.
The city’s planning documents acknowledge these challenges, emphasising the importance of secure digital infrastructure and inclusive community engagement. Ultimately, the city’s success will depend on consistent investment, adaptive management, and active participation by its residents. Arkadag City represents a bold step toward the future — a purpose-built urban environment that aspires to be intelligent, sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically vibrant. By merging Turkmenistan’s cultural identity with global best practices and modern technologies, Arkadag City stands as both a national milestone and a potential model for smart city development worldwide.
As the world continues to urbanise, projects like Arkadag City provide valuable insights into how technology, ecology, and human aspiration can be harmoniously aligned in the 21st century.
Medine JEYHUNOVA,
I year student of the Faculty of International Economic Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.