The United Arab Emirates is considering investing as much as 1 trillion yen, or about US$6.3 billion, in a 500-megawatt AI data center project in Akita Prefecture.

Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co. would lead the investment.

The project may include other foreign and domestic investors.

Total investment tied to the project, including from suppliers and companies setting up nearby operations, could reach 2 trillion yen (US$12.7 billion).

Once completed, it could become Japan’s largest data center.

Akita is known for renewable energy projects that can power data centers, including wind power and water supplies.

The plan also fits Japan’s industrial policy.

The economy ministry is designating regions including Akita as priority investment zones for AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing, while allocating financial support for related ventures.

For Mubadala, the reported deal would fit a digital infrastructure strategy that includes investments in hyperscale and AI-focused data center operators.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg