Uber chooses Turkey for its next big tech investment

Uber announced plans to invest $200 million over the next five years to establish a software and technology development center in Istanbul, marking a significant expansion of the company's global technology footprint.

The Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, emphasizing the importance of the investment for both the local economy and Turkey’s aspirations to become a regional tech hub.

This new Istanbul center will become Uber’s fourth major technology facility outside the United States, joining the ranks of similar operations in Brazil, India, and the Netherlands. It is expected to serve as a key node in the company’s global innovation and development strategy, focusing on areas such as mobility, mapping, payment systems, and artificial intelligence.

“Uber’s decision to invest in Turkey confirms the country’s attractiveness as a base for high-tech innovation,” said Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır. “This project will contribute significantly to job creation, knowledge transfer, and our vision for a more digital, innovation-driven economy.”

While Uber has faced regulatory challenges in several markets, including Turkey in previous years, the company has since resumed operations and is working closely with Turkish authorities to expand its services, particularly in urban centers like Istanbul.

The new tech center is expected to generate hundreds of high-skilled jobs, providing employment opportunities for Turkish engineers, developers, and IT professionals. It also aligns with Turkey’s broader economic policy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in knowledge-intensive sectors.

Uber has not yet provided specific details on the timeline for construction or hiring, but preliminary operations are expected to begin in early 2026.

“Istanbul is uniquely positioned as a bridge between continents and cultures. It offers access to top tech talent and a vibrant, growing economy. We are excited to be deepening our roots here,” said an Uber spokesperson.

This investment comes at a time when global tech companies are increasingly looking to diversify their R&D operations beyond traditional centers in North America and Western Europe. For Turkey, the Uber investment serves as a signal to other tech giants that the country remains open for innovation.