Turkmenistan Marks Third Anniversary of Arkadag Smart City with Forum, Cultural Celebrations

Arkadag, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan on Monday marked the third anniversary of the opening of Arkadag, the country’s flagship “smart” city, with a high-level forum highlighting its development achievements and future expansion plans.

The event, titled “Arkadag şäheri – röwşen geljegiň aýdyň ýoly” (“The City of Arkadag – A Clear Path to a Bright Future”), was held at the Arkadag city administration and brought together officials, representatives of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, local institutions, community elders, and other distinguished guests.

The celebrations began with an exhibition showcasing products, technological innovations, and the international awards received by Arkadag, reflecting the city’s development as Turkmenistan’s first “smart” city.

During the forum, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s message to the residents of Arkadag was read out, describing the city’s third anniversary as a significant event in the country’s political, social, and cultural life. The message highlighted Arkadag as a model of modern urban planning and architectural development.

Speakers congratulated President Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, on the anniversary, praising their leadership in initiating and implementing the ambitious urban development project.

Participants noted that Arkadag, which enjoys a special legal status as a city of state importance, represents one of Turkmenistan’s flagship national development initiatives.

Officials also highlighted progress under the 2024–2052 Development Concept for Arkadag City, under which construction of the second phase of the smart city is advancing. The new phase includes the development of additional social infrastructure alongside industrial enterprises expected to strengthen the city’s manufacturing base. Planned facilities include a children’s park, a large mosque, and other public amenities.

The forum also reviewed achievements completed during the first phase of construction, during which 336 modern facilities were commissioned. These include residential complexes, public administration buildings, educational and healthcare institutions, cultural centres, sports facilities, and modern engineering infrastructure.

At the conclusion of the event, participants adopted a joint address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressing support for the country’s ongoing development initiatives.

The anniversary celebrations also featured performances by cultural figures and artists, showcasing traditional music and artistic performances.

A commemorative sadaka (charitable feast) was later held at the Märkaw Cultural and Entertainment Center, where participants unanimously endorsed the proposal to name the new 30,000-capacity mosque under construction in Arkadag “Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi” (“The Spirit of Arkadag Mosque”).

Festive events continued across the city, with creative groups presenting musical performances and cultural programmes to commemorate the third anniversary of Arkadag’s inauguration as Turkmenistan’s pioneering smart city.