Aktau (/ˌɑːkˈtaʊ/; Kazakh: Aqtau / Ақтау [ɑqˈtɑw] ⓘ) is a city in south-west Kazakhstan, on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea.

Known for its strategic location on the Caspian Sea, Aktau is a port, playing a key role in the region's maritime trade, particularly oil and gas exports.

Aktau is also known for its coastal beauty, with beaches and scenic views of the Caspian Sea providing opportunities for leisure and tourism.

The current territory of Mangystau Region hosted a spur route of the northern silk road, which resulted in the founding of several Sufi shrines in Aktau's vicinity.

In 1958, uranium prospectors settled the site of modern Aktau, naming the settlement Melovoye after the bay on which it stood.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Kazakhstan gaining independence, the name Aktau was restored in 1991, but the city's airport still retains SCO as its IATA code.

[7] On September 11, 2007, President Nursultan Nazarbayev started the Aktau city project in order to develop tourism and attract investment.

The architecture style would have been derived from UAE's construction experience under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah ibn Zaid Al Nahayan.

It is notable that most of the city of Aktau lies below sea level in the Caspian Depression and is proximate to the lowest point in Kazakhstan and the former Soviet Union at Karagiye.

The current station is not considered powerful enough to supply the fresh water and energy needed at this time, and blackouts are a common occurrence.

[15] In 2021, it was announced that three rare species of palms with resistance to freezing are being grown as part of an experiment in the Aktau region.

[22] The intent is for cargo to transit by ship over the Caspian Sea and then by rail through Azerbaijan and Georgia for delivery in Turkey and beyond.

[21] The port has received increased interest from international companies looking for routes to bypass Russia, following the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.