CREW Central Asia 2026, an international forum on commercial real estate development and management, has concluded in Almaty, bringing together more than 200 participants fr om Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Europe and the United States. Over two days, industry representatives discussed investment, the development of new cities, the transformation of commercial real estate, modern technologies and effective asset management.

The forum was held with the support of the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI Central Asia. BI Group served as the General Partner.

This year's theme, Market. Influence. Future., reflected the changes currently shaping the industry. Emerging technologies, the rise of new economic hubs and evolving investment strategies require businesses to make decisions quickly, demonstrate professional expertise and remain open to collaboration.



The importance of international dialogue was highlighted in a video address to forum participants by FIABCI President Lily Chang. She emphasized the contribution of the federation's Central Asian chapter to knowledge exchange and the development of professional networks, encouraging participants to share ideas, find partners and make use of opportunities offered by the global community.

One example of how international expertise and investment can influence regional development was the discussion of Alatau City. The development of a new economic hub between Almaty and Konaev was one of the central topics of the forum's first day. Participants explored the prospects for industry, logistics and the digital economy, as well as the conditions needed to attract investors and implement development projects.

The growth of these sectors could generate new demand for commercial real estate, ranging from warehouse and industrial facilities to office and retail properties. At the same time, aligning the city's development strategy with specific investment decisions remains essential.



Aidan Ramazan, CEO of the Alatau Special Economic Zone Management Company, noted:

"The project envisions not only the creation of modern urban infrastructure but also a new economic environment featuring industrial enterprises, logistics complexes, business centres and commercial real estate facilities. To realize this potential, urban planning, the digital economy and special business conditions must function as a unified system."

The discussion of emerging growth opportunities continued with the SPEED OF MARKET – Industrial and Logistics Infrastructure in Central Asia session. It brought together topics related to manufacturing, trade and the movement of goods, all of which increasingly depend on modern warehouse infrastructure as a key driver of growth.

Roman Fotiev, Executive Director of Griffin Logopark Almaty, highlighted the factors driving demand for warehouse real estate:

"Historically, the main drivers of growth in the warehouse real estate sector have been increasing trade turnover and the development of e-commerce. There are also fundamental factors: population growth, urbanization, the expansion of consumer markets and the widening product ranges offered by retail chains. Together, these factors generate sustained long-term demand for modern logistics facilities."

On the second day, discussions shifted towards how individual projects influence urban life. The SPEED OF CHANGE: City Development panel focused on the transition from isolated construction projects to a comprehensive approach to urban development. Topics included the commercialization of transport hubs, the growth of tourism and hotel real estate, the infrastructure impact of MICE tourism and major events.

Such projects transform not only individual areas but also established urban routes, create jobs and generate demand for new services. An airport becomes a hub for business activity, a hotel supports tourism development, while a major event stimulates transport, retail and service infrastructure.

In this context, the role of a developer extends beyond construction itself. It is important to understand how a property will interact with the city, what value it will bring to residents and businesses, and how relevant it will remain in the years ahead. The connection between an individual project and the development of the wider area largely determines its long-term value.

The discussion on the quality of the urban environment continued with a presentation by American architect and co-founder of the DeafSpace Project at Gallaudet University (USA), Hansel Bauman. He introduced the concept of inclusive architecture, which takes into account the perception and communication needs of people with hearing impairments.

This approach has practical implications for commercial real estate. Attention to lighting, visibility, circulation and ease of communication helps create spaces that are comfortable for a diverse range of users. Ultimately, a property's quality is determined not only by its technical specifications but also by how well it meets people's needs.

Alongside architectural and investment decisions, forum participants discussed management approaches that enable businesses to operate in an environment of constant change. One of the highlights was a presentation by Spanish racing engineer Xevi Pujolar, who has more than 20 years of experience in Formula 1.

He shared insights into decision-making under conditions of high speed and responsibility, highlighting the importance of preparation, teamwork and effective management. His presentation connected the forum's theme with the experience of one of the world's most technologically advanced and competitive industries, wh ere results depend on precision and seamless team coordination.

The broader objective of these discussions – turning knowledge exchange into business opportunities – was outlined by Aliya Serikpayeva, Head of CREW and President of FIABCI Central Asia:

"This year marks the fourteenth edition of CREW Central Asia. The market is changing and new opportunities are emerging, but our goal remains the same: to bring international experience, knowledge and investment to Kazakhstan and Central Asia, strengthen professional expertise and enhance the competitiveness of market participants. We want more promising projects across the region to find investors and partners, and for meetings at the forum to translate into real deals and new business opportunities."

The forum concluded with the CREW Awards 2026 ceremony, held on October 23 during the gala dinner. The awards recognized the achievements of companies, projects and professionals across property management, development, office and retail real estate, flexible workspaces, brokerage and consulting services.



Applications were evaluated by an international jury comprising experts from Kazakhstan, the United States, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, including FIABCI members and representatives of consulting companies. The experts assessed participants' achievements according to the specific criteria of each award category.

CREW's work continues beyond its annual forum. Through its educational programmes, CREW Education, the professional network CREW Club, industry events and the CREW Community Journal, the organization promotes knowledge exchange, strengthens international connections and creates opportunities for new projects and business partnerships.

Source: CREW Central Asia