Urban Vision

Located on the axis between the Bayterek Monument and Astana’s Green Axis, Abu Dhabi Plaza was positioned as a focal point of the city’s masterplan. Its mix of retail, offices, apartments, hotel, and serviced residences created an integrated destination that embodied the government’s vision for a vibrant, world-class capital. The masterplan’s phasing strategy ensured flexibility, allowing each component to function independently while contributing to the overall identity of the development.

Design & Delivery

HKR managed the project through a client project office in Abu Dhabi, coordinating a global consultant team under a comprehensive Design Management Plan. The practice deployed BIM at scale to model the complex development, simulate construction logistics, and carry out clash detection, reducing risk and enabling prefabrication opportunities. Negotiations with local authorities and Gosexpertisa ensured compliance, with international standards adopted where local codes were insufficient. Structural strategies were rigorously tested against material supply chains and extreme winter conditions, ultimately balancing international expertise with local constructability.

Innovation & Impact

The project’s sheer scale demanded innovation at every level, from façade engineering to vertical transportation. By embedding value engineering, facilities management analysis, and sustainability considerations into the design process, HKR ensured resilience and long-termperformance. As Kazakhstan’s tallest tower and a benchmark for mixed-use urbanism, Abu Dhabi Plaza represents more than a building: it is a statement of national aspiration, a catalyst for investment, and an enduring symbol of Astana’s place on the global stage.