Iconic Complex Project Launches in Alatau

On 26 October 2026, a ceremony marking the launch of the Iconic Complex project was held in Alatau. The mixed-use development will bring together offices, apartments, a hotel, a shopping centre and public spaces. Its architectural centrepieces will be two towers rising 272 and 78 metres. Upon completion, the 272-metre tower will become the tallest building in southern Kazakhstan. The architectural concept was developed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) serving as the general contractor. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.

Architecture of the Complex The architecture of Iconic Complex draws inspiration from the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range. The buildings’ forms echo the contours of mountain peaks, while the facades reflect the textures of rock and glaciers.

Public spaces will connect the business and residential areas, providing places for meetings, walks and relaxation. Iconic Complex will become one of the key developments in Alatau’s emerging business district.

Ceremony Participants 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 SOM’s European practice; Yuriy Tskhay, Member of the Alatau City Council; representatives of the Government, ministries, Alatau City Authority and United Group Alatau; and residents of Alatau. The Iconic Complex project was presented to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on 2 June 2026.

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

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

The architectural concept was developed by SOM, one of the world’s leading architecture and engineering firms specialising in skyscraper design. Its portfolio includes Burj Khalifa in Dubai, One World Trade Center in New York and Willis Tower in Chicago. In Kazakhstan, SOM designed Talan Towers in Astana and Esentai Tower in Almaty.

The general contractor is CSCEC, one of the world’s largest investment and construction groups. In 2024, it ranked first in the ENR Top 250 Global Contractors ranking and 14th in the Fortune Global 500. Companies within the group have contributed to the construction of major skyscrapers, including Ping An Finance Centre, which stands approximately 599 metres tall in Shenzhen; Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai; and Doha Tower in Doha. 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 aim to create a new architectural landmark of national significance,” said Gao Bo.

Investment The mixed-use complex will be developed with private investment. More than USD 800 million has been secured for the project.

According to Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Iconic Complex brings together the expertise and capabilities of Kazakhstani and international partners.

“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.

About Alatau City Alatau is a rapidly developing city within the Almaty agglomeration, operating under its own special legal regime. The city’s development has been designated a national project and is supported by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The provisions of the Constitutional Law establishing Alatau’s special legal regime have been introduced in stages since 1 July 2026. The Alatau City Council and Alatau City Authority are now in place, and new construction regulatory procedures are being introduced. The city is developing in coordination with Almaty in areas including infrastructure, transport connectivity, and conditions for business and everyday life.

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.