Uzbekistan is taking another significant step toward becoming a regional hub for artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia’s DataVolt is developing a state-of-the-art AI-ready data center in Tashkent, marking one of the country’s largest digital infrastructure projects to date.
The project, valued at approximately $150 million, is expected to become operational by the end of 2026. According to the company, it will be among the first large-scale facilities in Central Asia specifically designed to support AI workloads and next-generation cloud services.
Infrastructure for the AI era
The facility, known as TAS-1, will deliver 12 MW of IT capacity and is being designed to support AI models, cloud computing platforms, and enterprise-scale digital services.
To meet the growing demand for high-performance computing, the data center will incorporate advanced liquid-cooling technology, allowing it to efficiently handle AI-driven workloads while reducing energy consumption.The facility is also being built to Tier III standards, ensuring high reliability and availability for mission-critical applications.
In June 2026, DataVolt announced that it had secured financing of up to $150 million for the project.The funding package includes support from several major international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), DEG, Proparco, and the OPEC Fund.
The deal is considered one of the largest digital infrastructure financing projects in Central Asia and highlights growing international confidence in Uzbekistan’s technology sector.DataVolt’s broader vision extends beyond a single facility. The company aims to help transform Uzbekistan into a regional data processing and cloud infrastructure hub.
As demand for AI computing capacity continues to grow worldwide, countries capable of hosting advanced data centers are becoming increasingly important players in the global technology ecosystem. The project could also strengthen Uzbekistan’s appeal to international technology companies and cloud service providers looking to expand their presence in emerging markets.
More projects may follow
The Tashkent facility appears to be only the first phase of DataVolt’s ambitions in Uzbekistan. The company has previously explored plans to develop a larger network of data centers across the country, with a long-term goal of reaching up to 500 MW of capacity. Potential future locations reportedly include New Tashkent and Bukhara. If these plans move forward, Uzbekistan could emerge as one of Central Asia’s most important destinations for AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and digital services.
The global AI race is no longer focused solely on developing the most advanced models. Increasingly, success depends on the infrastructure required to power them. Every major AI system — from ChatGPT and Claude to Gemini and GLM — relies on massive computing resources hosted in large-scale data centers. By attracting investments in AI-ready infrastructure, Uzbekistan is positioning itself to participate not only in the AI software economy but also in the physical infrastructure layer that underpins the next generation of digital technologies.
