Arkadag is the new regional capital of the southern province of Ahal, near the border with Iran and 30 km from the national capital, Ashgabat. On June 29, 2023, an imposing opening ceremony, attended by President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, officially inaugurated the futuristic smart city called Arkadag, or “Protector,” in reference to its former president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.
The construction of the new city, designed for a total of 73,000 residents, costed $3.3 billion. There are investment programs to make the best use of the same amount in the coming years and further expand the city and its population. All buildings in Arkadag are painted white, with all residential buildings standing seven floors high, a lucky number in Turkmenistan. Only electric vehicles are allowed in the city, which also has full 5G digital coverage.
The first phase of the city’s development included 336 avantgard buildings, public, educational, medical, cultural, and sports facilities, all built with environmentally friendly materials and equipped with digital technologies.
As part of the second phase of urban development, which will take place over the next three years and be completed in 2027, service and production plants for the production of food, industrial, pharmaceutical, and medical products will be built. The city will house approximately 70,000 families, with a total population of about 300,000 inhabitants. Residents will use environmentally friendly urban vehicles – electric buses and electric cars – as well as “smart” parking lots, solar panels, wind turbines, and other environmental and digital benefits. A television channel “Arkadag,” a newspaper, and a soccer team have already been created.
It is expected to become an important trade route for Central Asia with Iran as part of the eastern corridor of the INSTC, the International North-South Transport Corridor (a 7,200 km long multimodal network of shipping, rail, and road routes for moving goods between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe).
Description of Arkadag Smart City by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat):
The Arkadag Smart City project is a visionary initiative aimed at driving sustainable development and promoting a technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and socially inclusive urban ecosystem. Rooted in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this innovative endeavor seeks to address global challenges while creating a model for the smart cities of the future. At the heart of the Arkadag Smart City project is a strong commitment by the Government of Turkmenistan to promote sustainable urbanization, resource efficiency, and an improved quality of life for all residents. The project leverages cutting-edge technologies, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement to ensure a holistic and balanced approach to urban development.
Key Objectives:
1. Environmental Sustainability: Arkadag Smart City prioritizes eco-friendly practices and sustainable resource management. Through the integration of renewable energy, waste-to-energy initiatives, efficient public transportation, and green building projects, the project aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.
2. Inclusive Growth and Social Equity: Social equity is a guiding principle of the project, ensuring that all segments of society can benefit from the city’s growth. Affordable housing, accessible infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational opportunities are key components to promote a sense of belonging and enhance the overall well-being of the community.
3. Technological Advancement: Embracing the power of technology, Arkadag Smart City integrates the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics to optimize city services. Smart grids, intelligent traffic management systems, and predictive maintenance solutions are implemented to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
4. Economic Diversification and Job Creation: The project aims to attract investments and cultivate a diversified economy that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. By promoting industries such as clean energy, digital technology, and sustainable agriculture, the city becomes a hub of economic growth and job opportunities.
5. Community Participation: Inclusive decision-making processes enable residents to actively participate in shaping the city’s development. Regular town hall meetings, citizen feedback mechanisms, and digital platforms allow for a transparent and collaborative approach to governance.
6. Resilience and Disaster Management: To safeguard against potential threats, Arkadag Smart City invests in robust disaster preparedness and response measures. Climate adaptation strategies, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure are implemented to protect the city and its inhabitants from adverse events.
7. Data Privacy and Security: Recognizing the importance of data privacy, the project prioritizes strong cybersecurity measures to safeguard personal information and ensure the privacy of critical data.
The Arkadag Smart City project serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other urban centers worldwide, demonstrating that smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities are not only possible but essential for a better future. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the project aims to make significant contributions to achieving sustainable development goals and ushering in a new era of global sustainable development.
Ultimo aggiornamento: 1 marzo 2024