UAE-Telangana Partnership to Develop Bharat Future City as Global Urban Hub

Telangana has taken a major step towards global urban development by engaging international partners at the World Economic Forum 2026. In a key outcome, the UAE and Telangana agreed to explore collaboration for developing Bharat Future City, envisioned as a net-zero, future-ready smart city and a cornerstone of the state’s long-term growth strategy.

Why in News?

The governments of the United Arab Emirates and Telangana have agreed to explore cooperation for developing Bharat Future City following high-level discussions at the World Economic Forum 2026.

UAE-Telangana Talks at WEF 2026

The understanding emerged during a meeting between Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and A Revanth Reddy.

• Discussions focused on large infrastructure projects in Telangana.
• Special emphasis was laid on Bharat Future City.
• The UAE expressed openness to strategic partnerships and investments.

The meeting highlighted Telangana’s growing global engagement and investor outreach.

Bharat Future City: Vision and Features

Bharat Future City is planned as a flagship urban development project.

• Envisioned as India’s first net-zero greenfield smart city.
• Designed to be a global urban and economic centre.
• Focus on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and innovation.

The project is a key component of Telangana’s long-term urban and economic transformation agenda.

Telangana Rising 2047 and Economic Roadmap

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy outlined the Telangana Rising 2047 vision during the meeting.

• Target to transform Telangana into a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
• Bharat Future City positioned as a growth engine for the state.
• Emphasis on infrastructure-led and innovation-driven development.

This roadmap aligns state planning with national long-term development goals.

Global Companies and Ongoing Partnerships

Several global and Indian companies are already associated with Bharat Future City.

• Marubeni and Sembcorp are part of the project ecosystem.
• An MoU has been signed with Reliance Group’s Vantara to establish a new zoo.
• These partnerships reflect strong investor confidence.

Such collaborations strengthen the city’s global outlook and diversified development model.

Proposed Joint Task Force and Food Cluster

The UAE side suggested practical steps for faster implementation.

• Proposal to form a joint task force with officials from both sides.
• Suggested partnership between a UAE food cluster and Telangana.
• Focus on supporting the rural and agriculture-based economy.

This highlights cooperation beyond urban infrastructure into agri-economy and food systems.

Other International Engagements at WEF

Telangana also held meetings with other global partners.

• A Saudi-based conglomerate Expertise expressed interest in partnering with Young India Skills University to train around 5,000 skilled workers annually.
• Discussions with Israel Innovation Authority focused on agriculture, climate change, AI, deep tech, and startups.
• These engagements underline Telangana’s focus on skills, innovation, and global collaboration.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Bharat Future City is planned as India’s first:

A) Coastal industrial city
B) Defence manufacturing hub
C) Net-zero greenfield smart city
D) Financial free trade zone