Turkey’s digital infrastructure is receiving a boost, fueled by strategic Gulf investment and a wave of new partnerships that signal deepening Middle East–Turkey tech ties.
As demand for data storage and AI processing surges, the country’s data centre sector is undergoing rapid expansion, offering new momentum for its startup economy.
E-commerce giant Trendyol has announced a partnership with the UAE’s Castle Investments, led by Gulf Data Hub founder Tarek Al Ashram, to build a new data centre in Ankara. The facility will start with 10MW capacity and expand to 48MW at full scale, a $500 million commitment to Turkey’s tech ecosystem.
“The Ankara Data Centre will enhance service quality for our growing local and international users. It’s also a clear signal of our long-term confidence in Turkey’s digital future,” said Çağlayan Çetin, President of Trendyol.
Trendyol will retain 60% of the facility’s computing power, offering the remainder to other firms—a move that positions the centre as both a proprietary asset and a regional infrastructure hub.
Gulf Banks and Tech Firms Join the Push
The investment wave doesn’t stop with Trendyol. Multiple Gulf players have announced new financial and infrastructure commitments:
- Dubai Islamic Bank is lending $150 million to Turkish telecom provider Turkcell to enhance its infrastructure and expand data centre capacity.
- In mid-May, Emirates NBD provided $113 million to support the same effort.
- Hazna Data Centers, based in Dubai, will invest in the Ankara data hub and plans a 100MW AI facility in Turkey’s capital.
- The project also includes an AI innovation center, further solidifying Turkey’s role in regional AI development.
Startups Stand to Benefit from Turkey’s Digital Buildout
According to Gökhan Say, CEO of CyBridge Capital, the impact of this infrastructure expansion will extend directly to early-stage companies:
Demand for digital infrastructure is surging globally. In Turkey, firms are investing in their operations and, as service providers, creating an ecosystem that’s ideal for startup growth.”
By hosting key technologies locally, Turkish startups can lower costs and shorten timelines as they scale internationally. The influx of Gulf capital and tech expertise also brings access to cross-border partnerships, venture funding, and AI-specific resources.
“The more players entering the Turkish market, the more experience and opportunity are generated,” Say adds. “Startups gain not just infrastructure, but a gateway to global relevance.
