It is named after the Kazakh poet and enlightener Abai Qunanbaiuly whose monument is located in the middle.

The square features a public garden and a number of fountains clad in granite.

The square is located in front of the Palace of the Republic and around it are the Hotel Kazakhstan, Arman cinema, and a cable station linking to the Kók Tóbe Park.

[1] The Abai Square is known to frequently host as a space for public gatherings, ceremonies, and concerts.

In 1960, at the corner of Abai and Lenin Avenues, a monument to Abai Qunanbaiuly was erected, around which buildings were built in subsequent years with the Arman cinema and cable car station to Kok Tobe.