WEF 2026: In a major boost to Telangana’s global ambitions, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formally agreed to partner with the state government for the development of Bharat Future Ci, a landmark urban project envisioned as one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable cities. The announcement was made during high-level meetings held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2026) in Davos, underscoring Telangana’s growing presence on the global investment map.
The commitment came after a detailed interaction between UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, and a high-powered delegation from Telangana led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, which is in Davos as part of the state’s global outreach initiative titled Telangana Rising. According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the UAE has expressed strong interest in collaborating with Telangana to shape Bharat Future City into a world-class urban hub.
UAE Proposes Joint Task Force for Speedy Execution
During the meeting, Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri conveyed that the UAE government would be “happy to join hands” with Telangana on this ambitious project. He proposed the formation of a joint task force comprising senior officials from both governments to ensure smooth coordination and faster implementation of development plans. This mechanism, he noted, would help translate vision into action without bureaucratic delays.
The discussions focused on long-term cooperation in large-scale infrastructure development, with Bharat Future City emerging as the central pillar of the proposed partnership. The project aligns closely with the UAE’s global expertise in smart cities, sustainable urban planning, and green infrastructure, making the collaboration strategically significant for both sides.
Telangana Rising 2047 Vision Takes Centre Stage
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy used the opportunity at WEF 2026 to outline Telangana’s long-term development roadmap, known as the Telangana Rising 2047 vision. He explained that the state has set an ambitious goal of transforming itself into a $3 trillion economy by the year 2047, coinciding with 100 years of India’s independence.
According to the Chief Minister, Bharat Future City is a cornerstone of this vision. He described it as India’s first Net-Zero Greenfield Smart City, designed to balance rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability. Spread across an expansive 30,000 acres, the project is planned as a multi-sectoral urban-industrial ecosystem that integrates technology, industry, education, healthcare, and quality living.
Bharat Future City: A Blueprint for Sustainable Urbanisation
Providing further details, Revanth Reddy highlighted that Bharat Future City will feature dedicated zones for artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, education, healthcare, residential communities, and entertainment hubs. The city is being designed to meet global sustainability benchmarks, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, green mobility, efficient water management, and low-carbon infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also informed the UAE delegation that several global players have already committed to the project. Leading international corporations such as Marubeni and Semcorp are on board, signalling strong investor confidence. Additionally, Telangana recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Reliance Group’s Vantara initiative to establish a state-of-the-art zoo within Bharat Future City, adding a unique ecological and educational dimension to the urban landscape.
Saudi Firm Shows Interest in Telangana’s Skill Development Push
Beyond urban development, Telangana’s delegation at WEF 2026 also held productive discussions on skill development and human capital creation. Expertise, a Saudi Arabia-based industrial conglomerate, expressed keen interest in partnering with the state’s Young India Skills University (YISU).
Mohammed Ashif, President and CEO of Expertise, met Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and other senior officials to explore collaboration opportunities. The company has a strong footprint across the Middle East and specialises in plant maintenance services in skill-intensive sectors such as petrochemicals, oil and gas, fertilisers, steel, cement, water treatment, and power generation.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
During the interaction, Revanth Reddy explained that YISU was established with a clear objective: to bridge the long-standing gap between academic education and industry-ready employment. The university focuses on industry-driven curricula, practical training, apprenticeships, and real-world exposure, ensuring that graduates are job-ready from day one.
Industry and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu elaborated on Telangana’s broader human capital strategy, stating that the government is building a future-ready talent ecosystem through foundational education, advanced skilling programs, mentorship initiatives, and entrepreneurship support. These efforts, he said, are fully aligned with the Telangana Rising 2047 vision and the goal of becoming a $3 trillion economy.
Expertise proposed a partnership with YISU to meet its annual requirement of approximately 5,000 skilled professionals, offering a direct employment pipeline for Telangana’s youth while addressing the workforce needs of global industries.
Google Interested in Agriculture and Climate Solutions
In another significant development revealed during the Davos meetings, the Telangana government stated that Google has shown interest in partnering with the state to address challenges related to agriculture and climate change. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to tackle issues such as soil degradation, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.
The Chief Minister emphasised the growing concern over the overuse of fertilisers and the urgent need to educate farmers about sustainable agricultural methods. He stressed that preventive measures, soil health management, and climate-smart farming practices must be prioritised to ensure long-term food security and environmental protection.
Telangana’s Global Push at WEF 2026
Telangana’s active engagement at WEF 2026 reflects its broader strategy to position itself as a preferred global investment destination. By attracting partnerships with governments, multinational corporations, and technology leaders, the state aims to accelerate its transformation into a hub for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
The proposed collaboration with the UAE on Bharat Future City marks a significant milestone in this journey. If executed as planned, the project could set new benchmarks for urban development not only in India but across the world, reinforcing Telangana’s emergence as a key player in the global economic and sustainability landscape.
