$15 billion to be invested on transformative infrastructure in Telangana, says Minister for IT
Listing AI City, Sports City, Young India Skills University, EV mobility initiatives and Regional Ring Road, which will connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 hubs, among the proposed transformative infrastructure, he said the government's vision is to build a globally competitive and sustainable urban economy. In doing so, the focus will not just be on scale, but on balanced growth too, one ensuring development beyond Hyderabad, in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent and connectivity.
Mr. Sridhar Babu, who was inaugurating sports streaming platform DAZN's global capability centre in Hyderabad, called upon GCCs to integrate ESG in their strategy. Together, 'we can build a resilient, future-focused GCC ecosystem that inspires the world,' the Minister's office said on Friday in a release.
DAZN's decision to set up the sport-tech GCC is a testament to Hyderabad's growing reputation as a global hub for innovation-led operations. Telangana is one of the fastest-growing destinations for GCCs, with Hyderabad witnessing addition of nearly one new GCC every week.
DAZN to invest ₹500 crore
DAZN has chosen Hyderabad as a strategic base for its global sports-tech operations. Its Hyderabad GCC is set to become the company's largest global operations hub, employing approximately 3,000 professionals by 2026.
With a ₹500 crore investment over next three years, the company's new centre marks a significant strategic expansion of DAZN's footprint in India and Telangana. It will drive development of next-generation sports technology by scaling engineering and product innovation, building advanced AI and real-time analytics platforms, Mr. Sridhar Babu's office said.
The company has been expanding footprint in India since setting up a CoE in Hyderabad in 2023. In just two years, DAZN has scaled to over 1,500 employees, including highly skilled engineers, data scientists and developers and firmly established Hyderabad as one of its key global technology and operations hubs.
Chief Technology Officer Sandeep Tiku said: 'Hyderabad has been a perfect destination for DAZN to grow its technology and product operations, thanks to the State government's progressive policies, world-class infrastructure and highly skilled talent pool.'
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Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
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The Hindu
18 hours ago
- The Hindu
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
What do Gulf royals really own? A $450M Da Vinci, gold jets, super yachts, islands and more
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It features two helipads (one converts into a pool), an indoor seawater swimming pool, a snow room (yes, real snow!), and even a mini-submarine. Originally built by Italy's Fincantieri and once owned by a Russian billionaire, the yacht was bought by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in 2015. It perfectly combines comfort, security, and style. 3. Private Jets Fit for a King Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, is well-known for his love of aviation. His private jets are legendary, fitted with gold-plated sinks, marble floors, and lounges that feel more like five-star hotel suites than aircraft. The Qatari royal family also has a dedicated fleet, Qatar Amiri Flight, with custom Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s tailored to their taste and comfort. 4. Watches Worth More Than Most Homes In 2019, a unique Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime sold for over $31 million. While the buyer stayed anonymous, insiders say it likely belongs to a royal from Qatar or the UAE. These families also collect rare models from Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and custom Rolexes that most of us will never see in stores. 5. Cars Like You've Never Seen Before Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi, nicknamed the 'Rainbow Sheikh,' owns a collection of more than 700 cars. Many are on display at his private Emirates National Auto Museum. One of his most famous vehicles is a massive, drivable Dodge Power Wagon, 64 times bigger than the original. Meanwhile, Saudi royals are known to cruise in gold-wrapped Lamborghinis, Bugattis, and Ferraris, especially during summer trips to London, Paris, and Monaco. 6. Private Islands Scattered Around the Globe Owning palaces is expected. But some GCC royals go a step further and own entire islands. Qatar's Al Thani family reportedly holds islands in the Maldives, Seychelles, and Greece, including the well-known Oxia island. Dubai's royal family has exclusive villas on Palm Jumeirah and hidden homes on the World Islands, some so secret they don't even appear on public maps. 7. Falcons That Fly First Class Falconry isn't just a sport in the Gulf, it's a powerful cultural tradition and status symbol. Falcons owned by royals can be worth over $1 million each. These birds travel with their own passports and health certificates, often flying business class. Viral photos show falcons comfortably settled on Qatar Airways or Etihad flights, treated like true VIPs. 8. Racing Stables That Compete Worldwide Dubai's Godolphin stable, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, is one of the most successful horse racing teams in the world. It boasts hundreds of thoroughbreds and competes in top international events like the Dubai World Cup and Royal Ascot. For Gulf royals, horse racing connects modern sport with centuries-old desert traditions. 9. Jewelry and Thrones Hidden From the Public Eye GCC royals are major clients of top jewelers from Paris, London, and Geneva. Many jewelry pieces are custom-made and never publicly shown. Reports mention thrones decorated with gold, ivory, and rare gems, crafted for private palace rooms. One Qatari princess is said to own a golden throne inspired by the Queen of Sheba, created by a renowned French design house. 10. Why These Possessions Matter Beyond Wealth This isn't just about showing off. These assets have deep meanings, about identity, history, and leadership. A prized falcon, a grand painting, or a private island can symbolize centuries of culture and power. Many royal families use their wealth to support museums and cultural projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qatar Museums, building a legacy that goes beyond money. FAQs 1. Who owns the world's most expensive painting, Salvator Mundi? Though the buyer hasn't been officially named, most reports link it to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It's thought to be kept on his superyacht Serene. 2. Do Gulf royals really have gold-plated private jets? Yes. UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Qatar's royal family have private jets featuring gold sinks, marble bathrooms, and lavish lounges. 3. Why do Gulf royals invest so much in falcons and exotic cars? Falconry and luxury cars represent heritage, prestige, and personal passion. They blend cultural tradition with status symbols.
