Abu Dhabi Plaza

Abu Dhabi Plaza is a mixed-use development located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, designed by the renowned Foster + Partners architectural firm, known for their work on 30 St Mary Axe and The Gherkin. The project was developed by Aldar Properties, a leading real estate development company in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Transparency Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. The building's design is inspired by the works of Zaha Hadid and Frank Lloyd Wright, and its construction was overseen by Bechtel Group and Arup Group.

Introduction

The Abu Dhabi Plaza is a significant addition to Almaty's skyline, offering a unique blend of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, similar to The Shard in London and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The building's design is a testament to the city's growing importance as a business hub, attracting companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Accenture. The project has also received support from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Investment and Development and The World Bank, which have recognized its potential to stimulate economic growth and development in the region, much like the Singapore and Hong Kong models. The Abu Dhabi Plaza is also expected to become a popular destination for tourism, with its proximity to Medeu and Shymbulak.

Design and Architecture

The Foster + Partners-designed building features a sleek and modern design, with a curved glass façade and a steel structure, similar to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The building's design is inspired by the works of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, and its sustainable design features have earned it a LEED certification, recognized by The United States Green Building Council and The International WELL Building Institute. The building's interior design was handled by Hirsch Bedner Associates, known for their work on The Ritz-Carlton and The Four Seasons, in collaboration with Kazakh architects and designers from The American Institute of Architects.

Location and Accessibility

The Abu Dhabi Plaza is strategically located in the heart of Almaty, with easy access to major highways and public transportation systems, including Almaty International Airport and Kazakhstan Railways. The building is also within walking distance to popular attractions like Panfilov Park and The Green Market, as well as major hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty and The InterContinental Almaty. The location is also close to embassies and consulates of countries like United States, United Kingdom, and China, making it an ideal location for diplomatic missions and international businesses, such as ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell.

History and Development

The Abu Dhabi Plaza project was first announced in 2007 by Aldar Properties, with an initial investment of USD 1.5 billion, backed by The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company. The project was delayed due to the 2008 financial crisis, but construction resumed in 2013 with a revised budget of USD 2.5 billion, supported by The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and The Asian Development Bank. The building was designed in collaboration with local architects and engineers from The Kazakhstan Association of Architects and The American Society of Civil Engineers, and its construction was overseen by Bechtel Group and Arup Group, with consulting services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG.

Features and Amenities

The Abu Dhabi Plaza offers a range of luxury amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa, designed by The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton and The Wellness Center at The Four Seasons. The building also features a shopping mall with high-end retail spaces, restaurants, and entertainment options, similar to The Dubai Mall and The Mall of the Emirates. The building's residential units range from studios to penthouse apartments, with luxury finishes and smart home technology, designed by The Siemens Building Technologies and The Honeywell Home and Building Technologies. The building is also equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, designed by The Cisco Systems and The IBM Security.

Construction and Completion

The construction of the Abu Dhabi Plaza was completed in 2021, with a total of 75 floors and a height of 311 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in Central Asia, surpassing The Otembai Tower and The Esentai Tower. The building was officially opened by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, and other countries, including The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and The Minister of Investment and Development. The building is expected to become a landmark in Almaty and a symbol of the city's growing importance as a business hub, similar to The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and The Taipei 101 in Taipei. Category:Buildings and structures in Kazakhstan