Iconic Complex, a Project Worth More Than USD 800 Million, Launches in Alatau

Launch Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by Kanat Bozumbayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Gao Bo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSCEC International; Gabriele Pascolini, Head of the European practice at the American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); and Yuriy Tskhay, Member of the Alatau City Council. Representatives of the Government, ministries, Alatau City Authority, United Group Alatau and residents of Alatau were also in attendance.

Kanat Bozumbayev emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of quality, seismic safety and energy efficiency at every stage of the project. He also highlighted the need to involve Kazakhstani companies and specialists, develop local expertise and create jobs.

“Today, we are reaching an important milestone in the development of Alatau City. The Iconic Complex project is moving into the implementation phase and will become part of the city’s new identity. The complex is expected to become one of Alatau’s landmark developments and an example of the modern urban environment we are creating,” said Kanat Bozumbayev.

The Iconic Complex project was presented to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on 2 June 2026. During the ceremony, Yuriy Tskhay, Member of the Alatau City Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Caspian Group, highlighted the role of government support in the development of the new city.

“The project would never have been launched without the direct political will of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, his active support and the strong involvement of government authorities. Under different circumstances and in another country, this would have been difficult even to imagine. In just four years, Alatau City has secured its own special economic zone, city status, defined boundaries and a special regulatory framework, while also being successfully presented on the international stage,” said Yuriy Tskhay.

What Iconic Complex Will Look Like

The complex’s architectural centrepieces will be two towers rising 272 and 78 metres. Upon completion, the main tower will become the tallest building in southern Kazakhstan. The development will house offices, apartments, a five-star hotel and a shopping centre. Public spaces for meetings, walks and relaxation will connect the business and residential areas.

The architectural concept developed by SOM draws inspiration from the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range. The forms of the buildings and their facades reflect the contours of the mountains and the facets of glacial ice.

A quarter of the site will be dedicated to landscaping, while a garden will be created on the roof of the terraced tower. Some public spaces will feature canopies that let in natural light.

The facades will feature solar-shading elements and enhanced thermal insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs. Internal atriums will provide natural daylight to interior spaces and help reduce energy consumption.

Project Partners

Iconic Complex is being delivered by an international consortium of three companies. The developer is Alatau City Iconic Complex, a Kazakhstani company established to deliver the project and attract private investment.

The architectural concept was developed by the American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Its portfolio includes Burj Khalifa in Dubai, One World Trade Center in New York, Talan Towers in Astana and Esentai Tower in Almaty.

The general contractor is China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), one of the world’s largest investment and construction groups. Companies within the group have contributed to the construction of Ping An Finance Centre in Shenzhen and Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai. CSCEC views Iconic Complex as the first step towards long-term cooperation in Alatau’s development.

“For CSCEC International, the Iconic Complex project in Alatau City will be a priority project of strategic importance. We will ensure its delivery to the highest standards, deploying our best teams and resources. Together with all project participants, we intend to create a new architectural landmark of national significance,” said Gao Bo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSCEC International.

Investment and City Development

The National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan is participating in the project through the National Investment Corporation.

“Through the National Investment Corporation, the National Bank is participating in the implementation of this project, contributing to the development of Alatau City. Our involvement reflects the role of a Kazakhstani institutional investor in supporting initiatives of national significance and bringing together domestic and international partners to deliver long-term projects,” said Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank.

The launch of Iconic Complex marks another step in Alatau City’s continued development, from establishing its legislative framework to implementing major investment projects. Since 1 July 2026, provisions of the Constitutional Law establishing Alatau’s special legal regime have been introduced in stages, including new construction regulatory procedures. The Alatau City Council and Alatau City Authority are both now in operation.

At the same time, work is underway on 28 infrastructure projects across the city: electricity supply systems are being modernised, water supply facilities are being built, and roads are being repaired. This infrastructure is essential to supporting new construction sites, the launch of businesses and improved living conditions in existing neighbourhoods.

Iconic Complex will become one of the key developments in Gateway District. Overall, Alatau’s investment portfolio comprises 67 projects with a total planned investment of USD 6.9 billion and the potential to create approximately 55,000 jobs.