Dholera chips in to make expats feel at home

Dholera, India’s first semiconductor cluster, is emerging as a hub for expat talent. The Gujarat government is developing the “Global Tent City” to recreate the look and feel of expats’ home countries, featuring international food streets, cultural events, shopping centers, and recreational facilities.

The initiative is designed to make foreign professionals feel at home, similar to Chinatowns in global cities that bring a slice of home for residents while offering locals an exotic experience.

Originally, the government considered separate Taiwan and Japan-themed villages, but a single global-themed town square was preferred to accommodate the diversity of companies and talent arriving from around the world.

The Tent City will feature cuisines from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the US, and Europe, along with high-end malls, hotels, and guesthouses catering to the cosmopolitan tastes of globally mobile employees.

Shops showcasing traditional handicrafts, cultural show venues, and recreational facilities such as sports and entertainment areas will also be part of the development, ensuring expats have a comfortable lifestyle.

The project will begin with ten acres in Dholera’s Activation Area, which includes industrial zones, residential spaces, mixed-use areas, social infrastructure, and tourism facilities. A private player will design, build, and operate the Tent City, with plans to expand it further over time.

A similar cultural hub is being planned in Sanand, around 100 km from Dholera, as Gujarat strengthens its semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Tata Electronics is setting up India’s first fab in Dholera SIR in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), attracting Taiwanese professionals to the region.

Other semiconductor projects in Sanand include OSAT facilities by Kaynes Semicon, CG Semi, and Micron. The state has a history of hosting Japanese expats, and there is growing demand for amenities like golf courses, which the government plans to provide in Dholera and Sanand.

Officials are also developing social infrastructure, including housing, schools, and recreational areas, to ensure expats feel integrated and comfortable within the community.

Feedback from expats is being incorporated into the planning of facilities, covering sports, entertainment, and food options to enhance the quality of life for international professionals.

The Dholera SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) has floated an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the project, and once finalized, a private developer will manage the design, construction, and operation of the Tent City. It will start with about ten acres and expand gradually.

Additional projects include a multi-cuisine food court designed to cater to investors, residents, and visitors, offering a variety of culinary experiences from Indian delicacies to global flavors.

Homegrown semiconductor companies are actively recruiting global talent to lead operations in India, and initiatives like the Tent City aim to attract and retain top international professionals by offering comfortable living and working conditions.

Gujarat’s unique culture, including a significant vegetarian population and alcohol restrictions, along with a typical six-day work schedule, makes it challenging to hire and retain expats. The Tent City and related facilities are designed to overcome these challenges, providing lifestyle amenities and recreational opportunities.

As more expats take leadership roles in Indian companies, the government and private sector are ensuring that facilities meet their needs, from cuisine and entertainment to leisure and cultural engagement.