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U.S.-based mobility and delivery giant Uber announced plans to open its fourth global Technology Development and Software Center outside the United States in Istanbul, allocating $200 million over five years.
The decision was unveiled at the “Uber Türkiye Global Technology Development and Software Center Launch Event” held on Friday, attended by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Investment Office President Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, and Uber Chief Technology Officer Praveen Neppalli Naga.
Following the event, Uber and Türkiye’s Presidential Investment Office signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support Uber’s future investment and operational activities in the country.
Speaking at the event, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted Istanbul’s "energy, creativity, and power to connect people," describing the city as "a perfect representation of Uber’s future in Türkiye."
He noted that Uber began operating in Türkiye 10 years ago, initially aiming to make urban transportation easier, but has since evolved into what he called "a story of transformation."
Khosrowshahi said Türkiye has become a global reference point for digital adoption in transportation, adding that 95% of taxis in Istanbul use the Uber app, with total rides in the city approaching 100 million.
Emphasizing Türkiye’s pool of talented engineers and developers, Khosrowshahi said Uber’s new center would play a global role in creating technologies that move people and goods worldwide.
"The technologies developed here will not only serve Türkiye but will also be used across the world," he said, adding that the company will partner with leading universities and institutions to train the next generation of engineers, data scientists, and product leaders.
He concluded that Türkiye now stands at the core of Uber’s strategy for growth, partnership, and innovation, saying, "I can proudly say that the future of Uber’s innovation will now be built in Türkiye."
With Istanbul joining Uber’s network alongside Brazil, India, and the Netherlands, Türkiye is set to take on a strategic position in the company’s global software development ecosystem, according to the company.
Earlier this year, Uber acquired a majority stake in Trendyol Go, a fast-food and grocery delivery platform, for $700 million as part of its broader commitment to Türkiye’s mobility and logistics sectors.
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