Alatau: Tokayev Announces Special Status and AI Ministry

Law & tax2 Sources

Published 8 Nov 2026 · last updated 8 Nov 2026 · 20 Sep 2025 – 24 Sep 2025

President Tokayev designated Alatau City as the region's first fully digital city under direct government subordination. Concurrently, the establishment of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development was announced. A draft law governing the city's legal regime is scheduled for submission by December.

Key facts

• Alatau City is placed under direct subordination to the Kazakh government.
• A new Ministry of AI and Digital Development with Deputy Prime Minister rank is established.
• The draft law for the city's legal regime is due by December.
• The goal includes enabling cryptocurrency payments within the city.

All sources (2)

1. Tokayev’s Digital Vision for KazakhstanThe Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine · 20 Sep 2025 · EN
2. 阿拉套如何转型为智能城市？哈通社 · 24 Sep 2025 · ZH