“Honestly, it’s no fun. There are no sports activities, entertainment options, or nightlife to unwind from office stress,” an executive working in GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), told The Secretariat. 

GIFT City is a global financial hub in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on the lines of Dubai and Singapore. It has a population of around 25,000 people, of whom 22,000 are employees of companies based there.

Another resident said, “We spend the whole day doing business here, but we do not get an evening and nightlife experience.” 

But things may change soon. The Central government wants to develop an after-office economy and nightlife ecosystem in GIFT City similar to Dubai and Singapore.

The government says a world-class multi-sport arena will be developed over the next two years could take GIFT City beyond finance and transform the quality of life there. If these plans take off, the city’s population is expected to exceed 50,000 in the next two years.

Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO of GIFT City, told The Secretariat, “Our vision is not merely to create a business destination but a complete urban ecosystem that attracts, nurtures, and retains global talent. The development of sports arenas and premium entertainment infrastructure will enhance the quality of life.” 

Enhancing Social, Sports Infrastructure

Following repeated visits by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Centre has decided to accelerate social infrastructure development to strengthen GIFT City’s global talent ecosystem.

GIFT City has partnered with The Sports Gurukul (TSG) and One-Golf to develop a golf entertainment destination. 

Spread over 84,500 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, executive networking and community activities.

Jay Shah, spokesperson of the Sports Gurukul-One-Golf venture, a leading sports coaching, training, and infrastructure company, said, “It would be responsible for the design, development, and operation of the golf driving range in GIFT City.” 

“Through coaching programmes, the project aims to make the sport more accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Designed as a modern urban golf destination, it will combine recreation, wellness, professional networking, and sports development. The golf entertainment destination is expected to become operational in January 2027,” he said.

In addition, a modern multi-sport arena is also being developed to strengthen entertainment and wellness infrastructure. 

Jakshay Shah, the CMD of Savi Group, told The Secretariat, “The arena would feature dedicated facilities for box cricket, football, pickleball, baseball practice, and golf-related activities.” 

The project is expected to become operational by September 2026. It will house eight pickleball courts, two padel courts, box football, two box cricket grounds, a volleyball court, a jogging track, an outdoor gym, and several other amenities. 

“Social spaces such as a café and multi-purpose event venue will help people connect after work and strengthen the community. We are also partnering with an event company for corporate events,” he said.

Destination Mall

A GIFT City executive said the process for developing a destination mall has also been initiated. A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been floated for the project. 

Conceived as a world-class mixed-use lifestyle destination, the project will have a minimum development area of 750,000 square feet. It will include premium retail, international and domestic food and beverage outlets, entertainment zones, family recreation facilities, and a state-of-the-art cinema.

A 21-acre central park and lifestyle zone are being developed. The first phase is nearing completion, while work on the second phase - with food zones, walking tracks, recreation and open spaces - is set to begin.

Dubai-Singapore Nightlife

The Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) is not just an office district. After 6 p.m., an entirely different economy comes alive. Rooftop bars and lounges, nightclubs and live music, fine dining and networking, fitness and wellness, and 24×7 retail and entertainment — it has everything.

In Singapore, Marina Bay and the Central Business District remain vibrant even at night. Waterfront nightlife, nightclubs and bars, concerts and cultural shows, family recreation, sports and wellness… everything is available. 

In contrast, says an executive who lives in GIFT City, evenings there are quiet and nights feel deserted.

GIFT City had introduced wine-and-dine facilities in December 2023, but the idea failed to take off as Gujarat is a dry state. Consequently, the government has further relaxed prohibition norms, allowing visitors from other states and foreign nationals to enter on the basis of photo-identity cards. 

Permission has been granted to serve liquor on hotel lawns, terraces, poolside areas, and other food and beverage zones. In addition, a permit mechanism has been introduced for corporate conferences and group events.

Despite these changes, nightlife is still lacking. 

Hotel Infrastructure Still Inadequate

According to an executive at a five-star hotel in GIFT City, the “Work-Live-Play” model has been successful in startup clusters across the US, Singapore, and Israel. 

If GIFT City wants to expand its global capability centres (GCC), FinTech, artificial intelligence (AI), and startup ecosystem, office buildings alone will not suffice. Right now, there are only two hotels in the city offering wine-and-dine facilities. Hyatt Regency is now constructing a hotel with an investment of ₹650 crore. 

In addition, service apartments, business hotels, and international hospitality brands are being invited to invest. Alongside business and residential complexes, GIFT City requires a larger hospitality ecosystem and more hotel infrastructure.