A hydroelectric dam in Mindfulness City will incorporate a temple
The Visionary Project
The Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a visionary undertaking announced by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Bhutan’s National Day, 17 December 2023.
Spanning 1,000 square kilometers in Gelephu, South Bhutan, the Mindfulness City SAR is strategically located at the centre of a land bridge that connects more than two billion people in the dynamic economies of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The development envisions a thriving economic centre that seamlessly integrates the core principals of Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) – equitable economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability and good governance.
For businesses and professionals
Businesses and professionals who align with Bhutan’s culture and values will find that the Mindfulness City’s status as an SAR imbues it with legal independence and executive autonomy.
This enables a business-friendly environment that delivers ease of doing business under a legal framework that aligns with that of many key global financial and business hubs.
For resident professionals and their families
The development is a holistic city that seamlessly integrates opportunities for professional development and spiritual fulfilment.
The City will be a low-rise, low-density development nestled in between two wildlife reserves, ensuring residents live in a tranquil environment that is intimately connected to Bhutan’s bountiful biodiversity.
Sustainable Development
at Its Core
Every aspect of the Mindfulness City is designed with sustainability in mind. The master plan seamlessly blends economic growth with environmental consciousness, setting a new standard for urban development.
This includes leveraging abundant green power from Bhutan’s hydroelectric power dams, using primarily clean mobility solutions and employing carbon neutral building design.
These features will combine to make the City a uniquely suitable location for modern, high-tech industries such as data centres or evolving financial sectors such as FutureFi.
Sustainability approach extends to urban design
Roadways and sidewalks will be permeable to soak up rainfall and the uninterrupted flow of 35 rivers that wind through the site will provide natural flood control, migratory paths for local fauna and area for urban agriculture.
The Mindfulness City Master Design envisions a series of unique “inhabitable bridges” spanning these rivers, serving as cultural and transportation lifelines, connecting diverse neighborhoods and fostering a sense of community.
Infrastructure for
Mindful Growth
When announcing the Mindfulness City SAR, His Majesty highlighted initial phases of development, which will include:
- Increasing carbon-free energy production capacity;
- Expanding digital and physical connectivity – ground was broken for a new international airport in December 2023 and Bhutan and Northeast India will be connected via railway;
- Upskilling local Bhutanese to participate in the development.
This lays the foundation for the City to deliver benefits that will be felt globally, regionally and locally:
- Global
- It will provide a sanctuary for professionals and businesses who want to transform the world into a more equitable, sustainable and humane place.
- Regional
- It will create a tight-knit community that will drive the long-term economic and social development of South and Southeast Asia.
- Local
- It will provide Bhutanese in Bhutan and overseas with meaningful employment and education opportunities, transforming the country and driving economic growth in a sustainable manner.
ORO Bank is proud to be part of the Mindfulness City SAR and invites your business to grow with us in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner.
Grow with us
Be part of a global exemplar of harmony between culture, nature, and innovation.