The awards ceremony for the city of Arkadag took place following the plenary session of the international conference and exhibition "Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Industries of Turkmenistan" (CIET 2025) in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, according to the Turkmen Energy Forum.

The city of Arkadag was recognized for implementing innovative and smart infrastructure solutions as part of Turkmenistan's construction and industrial development strategy. Arkadag's recognition as the country's first smart city and its international awards at the World Smart City Expo 2024 symbolize a new era of technological progress and sustainable urban development, according to the statement.

The awards ceremony took place following the conference's plenary session, opened by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Baymurad Annamamedov. In his speech, he emphasized the sustainable development of all sectors of the country's economy and noted that over 40 billion manats are planned to be invested in the construction and industrial sectors by 2025.

The CIET 2025 Forum is taking place November 3-4. It is organized by the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya”, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the State Agency for Road Construction Management, the Ashgabat City Administration, and the Turkmen Energy Forum.