GIFT City, India's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), is fast-tracking the development of world-class social infrastructure as part of its next growth phase. The initiative aligns with its vision of evolving into a globally competitive financial and business hub capable of attracting and retaining international talent.
As financial centres worldwide increasingly compete on quality of life in addition to regulatory and business advantages, GIFT City is implementing several projects aimed at creating a vibrant urban ecosystem for professionals, entrepreneurs, institutions and their families.
As part of this strategy, GIFT City has partnered with The Sports Gurukul (TSG) and OneGolf to establish a technology-enabled golf entertainment destination. Spanning 84,744 square feet, the facility will feature a 350-foot technology-enabled driving range, 20 golf bays, advanced coaching facilities and dedicated spaces for corporate engagement programmes, executive networking events and community activities.
Speaking on the initiative Mr. Jay Shah, Spokesperson, The Sports Gurukul - One Golf Venture, said “The Sports Gurukul, one of India’s leading and largest sports coaching, training and infra companies, and OneGolf, the creators of India’s first fully automated golf driving range, are proud to have been awarded the project to design, develop and operate the golf driving range at GIFT City, Gujarat. Together, OneGolf and TSG will build and operate a world-class golf facility that combines modern infrastructure, advanced golf technology, and structured coaching programs to make the sport more accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. We look forward to creating a landmark golfing destination that contributes to the growth of golf in India and strengthens the sporting ecosystem at GIFT City.”
Designed as a contemporary urban golf destination, the project integrates recreation, wellness, professional networking and sports development. Using advanced golf technologies, the facility will offer real-time shot analytics, performance tracking, digital scorekeeping, video playback and virtual golf simulations to deliver an immersive and interactive experience. The golf entertainment destination is expected to become operational in early January 2027.
Simultaneously, GIFT City is developing a modern multi-sport arena to enhance the city's recreational and wellness ecosystem. The facility will include dedicated infrastructure for box cricket, football, pickleball, baseball practice and golf-related activities. Operations are expected to begin by September 2026.
Mr. Jaxay Shah, CMD, Savvy Group said, “Savvy is honoured to build GIFT’s first dedicated sports arena — a world-class facility that reflects GIFT City’s ambitions as a global, liveable hub. The arena will offer 8 pickleball courts, 2 padel, 1 box football, 2 box cricket, a volleyball court, jogging track, an outdoor gym, and a wide range of additional amenities. Complementary social spaces, including a café and a multipurpose event venue, will encourage community gatherings and post-work engagement. We are collaborating with an events company to curate corporate events as well. This project will create a vibrant post-work environment and send a clear message: GIFT City is not just a place to work, it’s a place to live, play, and connect.”
Together, these initiatives mark a major step towards creating a healthier, more vibrant and community-focused urban environment capable of supporting the needs of a growing international workforce.
Further advancing its social infrastructure roadmap, GIFT City has initiated the development of a landmark Destination Mall, envisioned as a major retail, entertainment and lifestyle hub. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project has already been issued.
The mixed-use development is planned with a minimum development potential of approximately 750,000 square feet. It will feature premium retail outlets, international and domestic food and beverage offerings, entertainment zones, family recreation facilities and state-of-the-art cinema experiences.
These projects form part of GIFT City's broader strategy to create a globally benchmarked urban ecosystem where financial institutions, multinational corporations, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), fintech firms and international professionals can grow and thrive.
The evolution of modern financial centres increasingly depends on their ability to provide world-class liveability alongside business competitiveness. Access to recreation, wellness, entertainment, social interaction and community infrastructure has become a key factor influencing decisions by institutions and highly skilled professionals.
Speaking on the initiative, Shri Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO, GIFT City, said “At GIFT City, our vision extends beyond creating a world-class financial and business destination. We are committed to developing a holistic urban ecosystem that attracts, nurtures, and retains global talent. The development of a state-of-the-art Sports Arena, alongside a premier entertainment and luxury retail destination, reflects our commitment to enhancing quality of life and creating vibrant community spaces. These developments will offer residents, professionals, and visitors access to world-class sports, recreation, leisure, and lifestyle experiences, further strengthening GIFT City’s position as a globally competitive destination to live, work, and thrive."
With the sports arena scheduled for completion by September 2026, the golf entertainment destination expected to commence operations in January 2027, and the Destination Mall moving through the development process, GIFT City is rapidly building the social infrastructure required to support its next phase of expansion.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen GIFT City's position as India's premier international financial centre while enhancing its competitiveness among emerging global financial hubs by creating a comprehensive environment to live, work, connect, innovate and grow.
