Smart City Innovation in Astana: AI-Integrated Monitoring and Digital Duplicate Technology Advancements
Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, is spearheading urban management modernization with a Smart City project focused on enhancing safety, efficiency, and public services. The initiative, supported by a public-private partnership, aims to deploy sophisticated AI and video surveillance technology by creating a digital twin of the city by 2030.
The project involves installing 14,000 general video surveillance cameras, integrating 8,000 third-party cameras, and establishing 1,202 systems for traffic violation monitoring. According to the Astana Department of Digitalization and Public Services, the city currently operates 700 hardware and software systems, with monitoring systems for linear sections and intersections, general surveillance cameras, and third-party cameras—all managed centrally at Astana's Central Control Center.
Presight AI, a public company under the G42 international holding based in the United Arab Emirates, is partnering with the city. The agreement, valued at around $190 million for a six-year period, will modernize and expand Astana's existing infrastructure.
According to Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham, the Smart City project aims to develop an AI-driven ecosystem that enhances urban management, optimizes traffic, and improves public safety. By integrating advanced monitoring infrastructure and intelligent vision systems, the initiative will provide real-time insights to improve city operations and situational awareness.
A key aspect of the project is the development of a digital twin of Astana. This sophisticated technology will connect over 100,000 video surveillance cameras to an AI-powered video analytics system, enabling real-time identification of potential threats and improving emergency response times, as well as overall security.
The project will also stimulate local economic participation as Kazakhstan companies are expected to carry out 60% of the work. Astana's smart city initiative is positioning the city as a regional hub for AI and digital innovation, reinforcing Kazakhstan's role as a leader in Central Asia.
The project is part of a broader strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the UAE, encompassing AI, smart cities, and other sectors. This partnership aims to promote digital transformation in Kazakhstan.
- The $190 million partnership between Astana and Presight AI, a UAE-based company specializing in artificial-intelligence, will leverage technology to create an AI-driven ecosystem for urban management, aiming to optimize traffic, enhance public safety, and improve city operations.
- As part of the Smart City project, Astana will develop a digital twin, a sophisticated technology integrating over 100,000 video surveillance cameras with an AI-powered video analytics system, which will provide real-time insights and improve emergency response times, thereby boosting urban security and situational awareness.
