OMM Redaksiyası
Gulf countries are becoming increasingly important partners in Uzbekistan’s technology sector. The “ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026” event highlighted that interest extends beyond startups, with companies from Gulf states also exploring data centers, fintech, cloud services and artificial intelligence.
Data centers and digital infrastructure
Digital infrastructure is one of the main areas of interest for Gulf companies in Uzbekistan. Saudi Arabia’s “DataVolt” is building a 12-megawatt data center in Tashkent. The project is expected to receive an initial investment of $150 million.
Oman’s “Oman Data Park” has also discussed opportunities to enter the Uzbek market and build data centers there. The company provides cloud, hosting and data management services in Oman.
Cooperation in fintech and artificial intelligence
Financial technology is another area attracting Gulf companies’ attention. Saudi technology and investment groups have discussed fintech opportunities in Uzbekistan. The UAE-based “DIFC Innovation Hub” supports Uzbek startups seeking access to the UAE and Saudi markets.
“Xpence,” a digital banking platform focused on the Middle East and North Africa, operates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Uzbekistan. The company has discussed opportunities to establish a broader local structure in Uzbekistan and form an export-oriented fintech team.
During the Saudi-Uzbekistan technology event held in 2026, participants discussed attracting Saudi IT companies to Uzbekistan, cooperation with venture funds, and partnerships in artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms. Another Saudi delegation considered cooperation with the “NEOM” project, as well as establishing research and development teams and software divisions in Uzbekistan. The talks covered advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and smart mobility.
Gaming industry and market opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s “Savvy Games Group” has shown interest in Uzbekistan’s gaming industry and plans to explore cooperation opportunities with local studios and Uzbek developers. Saudi investment institutions have also discussed partnerships in gaming and the creative industries.
For technology companies from Gulf countries, Uzbekistan offers access to the large Central Asian market and a growing pool of IT specialists. According to “IT Park,” 16 companies wholly owned by Gulf entities have already started operating in Uzbekistan. At the same time, 75 Uzbek companies provide digital services to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
Uzbekistan is also working to facilitate market entry. The “IT Park” representative office in Riyadh supports Uzbek companies entering the Saudi market with business development, partnerships, marketing and contract negotiations.
The “Middle East Tech Summit,” held as part of “ICTWEEK 2026,” addressed investment in Uzbekistan’s IT and digital infrastructure, the entry of Middle Eastern companies into Central Asia, and opportunities for Uzbek startups and IT service providers in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Thus, cooperation is becoming bilateral: Gulf investors and technology companies view Uzbekistan as a base for operations and investment, while Uzbek companies see Gulf countries as an expansion destination for customers, capital and partnerships.
This trend reflects the broader development of digital cooperation between Central Asia and the Gulf. Data centers, cloud computing, fintech and artificial intelligence are increasingly regarded as strategic sectors that can support investment, technology transfer and the international expansion of companies on both sides.
